Dani Alves sexual assault conviction overturned - Channel1 News

Dani Alves, a former Barcelona and Brazil defender, had his rape conviction overturned. A Spanish court's appeals division unanimously supported his appeal. They acquitted him due to "inconsistencies and contradictions" in the case.

In February 2024, Alves was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022. Alves, who has 126 international caps, was released on bail in March 2024 while awaiting his appeal.

The appeal court noted gaps and inaccuracies in the original ruling. They stated that the complainant's account lacked proper scrutiny. It also failed to compare her testimony with fingerprint and biological evidence supporting Alves' defense.

The court questioned the complainant's claim about fearing for her safety with Alves' friends. They concluded she voluntarily went to the bathroom with him for intimacy.

Additionally, the Catalan court lifted all restrictions on Alves, including travel bans. However, this decision can still be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Alves' lawyer, Ines Guardiola, expressed that he is very happy and feels innocent. She stated that justice has been served.

Alves enjoyed successful stints with Sevilla, Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris St-Germain. He also helped Brazil win two Copa Americas and an Olympic gold medal at age 38. At the time of his arrest, he was playing for Pumas UNAM, which terminated his contract immediately after.