Former Barcelona full-back Dani Alves has been denied bail in an alleged sexual assault case. Alves' legal team had put forth an appeal on January 30 for the release of the former Brazil international from pre-trial detention after he was jailed on remand on January 20.
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The 39-year-old has so far pleaded guilty and was jailed after a local woman filed a complaint last month about an event at the exclusive Sutton nightclub in Barcelona. Police are investigating and the case remains open over a crime of sexual assault. Alves’ bail plea included surrendering his passport and wearing an electronic tag, arguing that he had family ties in Spain.
"There is a high risk of fleeing as... the severe punishment he faces in the present case, the strong evidence of wrongdoing, and his economic might would make it possible for him... to leave Spain at any time," the court said.
The initial investigation was started in January. So far the judge has taken into account the biological results carried out on the alleged victim, the surveillance cameras at the nightclub, and the contradictory statements given by Alves. If convicted, the Brazilian could look for jail time of between 4 to 15 years.
Before this case, Dani Alves was playing for Mexican side Pumas UNAM, who have since terminated his contract with the club. Before playing in Liga MX, Alves rejoined last season Barcelona, where he spent most of his career winning countless tournaments including the Champions League three times. He also played for clubs like Sevilla, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain in Europe.