Daniel Alves He went to court on Monday to testify before a judge investigating an allegation 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.
Court has denied Alves’ request for bail while the investigation continues, claiming he was a flight risk. No trial date has been set.
alves he is being detained based on the evidence gathered in the authorities’ preliminary investigation and on the statements of the player, the alleged victim and witnesses.
The sexual consent law approved in Spain last year includes a wide range of crimes under the term sexual assault, from internet abuse and groping to rape, with varying 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.