Spanish court rejects appeal to release Daniel Alves

A Spanish court on Tuesday rejected an appeal for the release on bail of Brazilian footballer Daniel Alves, who has been detained for alleged rape, pending investigation, citing a risk of flight.

As reported by the Associated Press, the court insisted there was a risk of Daniel Alves fleeing, so he must be kept in custody while the investigation unfolds.

A judge had ordered his pre-trial detention after an initial investigation by the authorities.

The Brazil international was arrested on January 20, after reporting to police and being investigated in December for alleged assault.

The player was summoned to appear at Les Corts police station in Barcelona following the investigation into the alleged crime of assault, the complaint of which was filed on January 2.

Initially, Alves denied knowing the alleged victim, but after resorting to surveillance videos, it became clear that the Brazilian was lying, a situation that led to his arrest.

The alleged facts allegedly took place on the night of December 30 to 31 and the complaint was filed on January 2.

On February 1, the player’s lawyers said he was available to hand over his passport to Spanish authorities and also use a tracking device to allow him to leave freely.

According to the Brazil international’s lawyers, who appealed to a Barcelona court for the release of the 39-year-old player, he was also available to appear before the court and authorities as often as necessary, including daily.

Alves’ lawyers also argued that his detention without bail is not justified as there is insufficient evidence about the alleged rape of a woman in a Barcelona nightclub.

Dani Alves, who was in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup, had a successful career at FC Barcelona, ​​​​​​where he represented Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, among others, in a career full of successes, making him the player with the most titles in the world, with 42 trophies.

The Brazil international, who is married to a Spanish woman, was on holiday in Barcelona after the 2022 World Cup, which took place in Qatar.