21 February 2023 , 10:04
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Dani Alves will remain in prison in Spain after he was arrested over an alleged sexual assault in a nightclub.
The former Barcelona defender played no part in Thursday's hearing but was represented by his defence lawyer, Cristobal Martell. Also present were a state prosecutor and Ester Garcia, the lawyer acting on behalf of the woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by Alves last December.
The alleged incident is said to have occurred in a nightclub in the Catalan capital, and Alves previously denied wrongdoing during an appearance on Spanish television before later adapting his account of the night.
Martell argued for Alves to be released on bail pending an ongoing criminal investigation, having already written to the courts on this matter. Meanwhile, the state prosecutor and Garcia laid out why Alves should remain in jail, expanding on their previous written submissions.
The hearing - which involved three judges - took place at Barcelona Provincial Court behind closed doors, and the outcome is that Alves will remain in Brians 2 Prison, just outside Barcelona. Hearings in Spain always take place away from view, as only trials are held in public.
Dani Alves visited by wife for first time since alleged sexual assault arrest
Dani Alves was sacked by Club Universidad Nacional after his arrest (AFP via Getty Images)Alves was arrested on 20 January after returning to Spain from Mexico following the death of his wife's mother.
Alves' lawyer indicated that the footballer, who was sacked by Mexican side Club Universidad Nacional following his arrest, would consent to strict restrictions in order to be released on bail. These included having his passport taken off him to prevent him leaving Spain, wearing a tag and signing on every day at court.
During an appearance on Spanish television prior to his arrest, Alves claimed he had been at the nightclub with friends on the evening of the alleged incident but insisted he had never met his accuser. He subsequently changed his story, admitting that he cheated on his wife with the woman but insisted this was consensual.
Court officials have confirmed Alves is under investigation on suspicion of sexual assault but have not confirmed the exact nature of the charges against him. Investigations of this kind in Spain can take months or years to complete and people under scrutiny can be held in prison without charge for up to four years.