Ex-Brazil Footballer Dani Alves is Expected to be Released After an Appeal

International football star Dani Alves has been granted conditional release from jail upon payment of a €1m (£853,000) bail.

Alves received a prison sentence of four-and-a-half years last month, following a court’s verdict of his guilt in a case involving the assault of a woman at a Barcelona nightclub in 2022.

On Monday, the court in Spain granted the former Barcelona and Brazil footballer the opportunity to be released from jail while awaiting his appeal, as he fulfilled the required bail.

The individual has been in custody since January 2023, awaiting trial.

A statement has been released, notifying that the bail deposit for Daniel Alves has been successfully registered in the accounts of the 21st section of the Barcelona Court.

Nevertheless, the lawyer representing the rape victim has strongly criticized the decision to grant him release from jail, labeling it as a scandalous move.

Last week, Ester Garcia expressed her outrage over the release of an individual who is capable of earning a million euros effortlessly.

During an interview with RAC1 radio, Ms Garcia expressed her strong dissatisfaction and outrage towards the ruling. She criticized the justice system, stating that it favors the wealthy, and mentioned her intention to file an appeal.

The player has completed approximately 25% of his sentence for rape so far – a point that was emphasized by Alves’ lawyer during the recent request for his conditional release.

As part of the conditions for his release, he must surrender both his Brazilian and Spanish passports, effectively preventing him from leaving Spain. Additionally, he is required to make weekly court appearances.

A restraining order was also issued by the court, prohibiting him from getting near the victim.

The decision was not met with unanimous agreement as one of the judges voted against it.

During the trial in February, it was revealed that Alves and his friend had purchased champagne for three young women. Later, Alves enticed one of the women to a bathroom in the VIP area of the club.

They claimed that it was at this moment he became aggressive, coercing the woman into engaging in sexual activity despite her repeated pleas for him to go away.

Alves had previously stated that she had the option to leave if she chose to do so.

However, the court determined that she did not give her consent.

There have been recent changes to Spanish law that emphasize the significance of consent, following the introduction of the “Only Yes is Yes” principle.

The court has stated that there is additional evidence, apart from the victim’s testimony, which supports the claim of rape.

According to reports, Alves allegedly forcefully grabbed the complainant and forcefully threw her to the ground. According to the report, he allegedly committed the assault despite the victim’s objections and attempts to leave.

The woman expressed deep distress and fear, while one of her friends recounted how she was overwhelmed with tears after leaving the bathroom.

Alves revised his testimony multiple times.

Initially, he denied any knowledge of his accuser, but later he admitted to encountering her in the restroom, asserting that nothing transpired between them.

He later altered his account once more, claiming that their encounter was consensual. “We were both having a good time,” he claimed.

Alves has an impressive record at Barcelona, with over 400 appearances, six league titles, and three Champions League victories. He has truly made his mark during his time with the club. In addition, he was a member of Brazil’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Throughout his career, he has achieved remarkable success, representing top clubs such as Sevilla, Juventus, and PSG. Additionally, he has made a significant impact on the international stage, earning an impressive 126 appearances for Brazil.