Dani Alves stays in jail after judge says "high risk" of ex-Barca star fleeing

10 May 2023 , 08:40

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Dani Alves was arrested following an alleged incident in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30. (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Former Barcelona star Dani Alves remains in a Spanish jail accused of sexual assault after a judge refused bail for a second time.

The Brazilian, who turned 40 last Saturday, was arrested in January after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Barcelona nightclub on 30 December. He denies any wrongdoing and said sex with the accuser was consensual.

He has been behind bars since his detainment, with Tuesday’s failed bail appeal coming after a judge had ruled in February that he would be a flight risk.

Alves’ legal team, who say they have compiled a 200-page document of evidence to discredit the accusation, told the judge that the footballer would accept conditional bail - including wearing a tag to track his whereabouts and hand in both his Brazilian and Spanish passports.

But the judge presiding over the hearing said there was a “high risk” he would try to flee. No date for a trial has been set.

Dani Alves visited by wife for first time since alleged sexual assault arrest

Dani Alves has been refused bail after being accused of sexual assault (Getty Images)

The Mexican club Pumas UNAM terminated Alves' contract when he was remanded in custody in January.

The defender has won 42 major trophies throughout a career that also saw him play for Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. He won three Champions League titles and six LaLigas while making more than 400 appearances for Barcelona.

Alves has also appeared in three World Cups for Brazil - including two appearances in Qatar a month before the alleged incident occurred.

Alan Smith