Barcelona.- Dani Alves went to court on Monday to testify before a judge who is investigating an accusation of sexual assault against him.
Alves has been in prison since January 20, after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30. The Brazilian footballer has denied the charges and says the sexual relationship was consensual.
The court has denied Alves’ request for bail while the investigation continues, saying he was a flight risk. No trial date has been set.
Alves is in custody based on the evidence gathered in the authorities’ preliminary investigation and the statements of the player, the alleged victim and witnesses.
The sexual consent law passed in Spain last year includes a wide range of crimes under the term sexual assault, from internet abuse and groping to rape, with different penalties. A conviction for rape can mean up to 15 years in prison.
Alves, 39, won 42 titles with Barcelona, including three Champions Leagues, as well as two America’s Cups with Brazil. Last year he played his third World Cup in Qatar.
