Dani Alves Faces Nine-Year Prison Term in Sexual Assault Trial

 Dani Alves Faces Nine-Year Prison Term in Sexual Assault Trial

Dani Alves of Pumas UNAM reacts during the 1st round match between Pumas UNAM and FC Juarez as part of the Torneo Clausura 2023 Liga MX at Olimpico Universitario Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico.(Image-Getty)

A Spanish prosecutor is pursuing a nine-year prison term for former Barcelona and Brazil soccer player Dani Alves, who is set to stand trial on charges of sexual assault against a woman in Barcelona last year, as revealed in a court document on Thursday. Alves, currently held in prison since his arrest on January 20, allegedly engaged in a violent assault against a woman in the VIP area bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub in the early hours of December 31.

Despite initial denials of any sexual encounter, Alves later admitted to consensual sex with his accuser. The prosecutor is also seeking restraining orders for Alves post his potential jail term and has requested him to pay damages amounting to 150,000 euros ($163,605.00) to the woman.

In August, a court in the Barcelona area formally indicted Alves, finding evidence of wrongdoing by the 40-year-old player, subsequently deciding to proceed with a trial. However, no trial date has been set yet. In Spain, claims of rape are investigated under the general accusation of sexual assault, with convictions carrying prison sentences ranging from four to 15 years.