Sports
Football Star Dani Alves Sentenced To Prison
Former Barcelona and Brazil football star, Dani Alves has been sentenced to four years and six months for the sexual assault of a 23-year-old woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.
The Audiencia Nacional in Barcelona, referring to the victim’s statement and presented evidence, concluded that she did not give consent to engage in sexual activity with Alves.
This verdict marks a significant development in Spain’s legal approach to sexual assault.
Convicted at 40, Dani Alves must pay his victim 150,000 euros in compensation, alongside covering legal costs.
The court’s ruling, founded on evidence supporting the victim’s claims, asserts that Alves breached her consent.
Despite Alves’ denial and insistence on consensual relations, the court dismissed his narrative.
In response, his lawyer, Inés Guardiola, has declared intentions to appeal, emphasizing Alves’ innocence.
The defense strategy highlighted Alves’ alleged intoxication and attempts to safeguard his marriage through initial denials.
The statement from the Audiencia de Barcelona on Thursday reads “the Court of Barcelona has condemned footballer Dani Alves to four years and six months in prison for sexual assault. The victim must also receive 150,000 euros and have their legal costs paid.
“The sentence takes into consideration that it has been proven the victim did not consent and that there is evidence in addition to their testimony that proves the offence.”
While Alves retains the right to appeal, his bail requests were denied, citing concerns about the risk of him fleeing.
Notably, Brazil’s policy against extraditing its citizens is a factor.
The decorated footballer, renowned for success at clubs like Barcelona and Juventus, faced contract termination with Mexican club Pumas following his arrest.
Alves’ playing career now hangs in uncertainty, as the conviction could potentially mark its end.
This case adds to a string of sexual assault allegations involving prominent football figures, including Mason Greenwood, Benjamin Mendy, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar, who successfully defended against accusations in separate incidents.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.
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The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and socioeconomic growth through a strategic partnership with The Athletics School Games (TASG)
The TASG is an annual sporting event bringing together young athletes from private schools in Lagos, Biztellers reports.
The initiative aligns with the NGX Group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) focus on community development, underscoring the Group’s belief in nurturing well-rounded future leaders through sports, discipline, and teamwork.
Held on Saturday, March 22nd, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, the event provided a dynamic platform for students to showcase their athletic talent while cultivating essential life skills such as resilience, collaboration, and leadership, qualities critical for success in today’s competitive global economy.
The involvement of NGX Group extends beyond sponsorship, reflecting a deliberate strategy to support initiatives that bridge education, leadership, and economic opportunity.
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Head, Group Communications and Partnerships at NGX Group, Clifford Akpolo, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “As a key institution in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, NGX Group understands that sustainable development begins with investing in human capital. Our support for The Athletics School Games goes beyond sports, it is about equipping young Nigerians with the discipline, teamwork, and determination needed to excel in business, finance, and entrepreneurship. This initiative is a cornerstone of our broader mission to foster a resilient economy powered by capable, well-rounded individuals.”
On his part, the event’s initiator, Seun Akinbohun, highlighted TASG’s role in unlocking opportunities for young athletes: “This initiative is designed to create pathways for athletes to excel and be discovered by scouts. There are so many opportunities for kids in TASG, and I am glad we are contributing to their development. We have expanded the event to include more participants, age categories, and flexibility. I am excited to bring the experience from the first edition into the second, with a larger technical committee and more experienced personnel.”
The event featured a wide range of track and field competitions, including sprints, relays, long-distance races, high jump and long jump. Beyond medals and trophies, the games emphasized personal growth, resilience, and the value of teamwork, qualities that extend far beyond the sporting arena into leadership and professional development.
By collaborating with organizations like TASG, NGX Group continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce. This partnership exemplifies how private sector engagement in youth development can create lasting socioeconomic impact, aligning with NGX Group’s vision of a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
The Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) torch tour continued through Edo State with the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa and the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Honorable Amadin Enabulele and Festival Ambassador, Patience Igbiti on hand to receive it.
The Festival Torch which commenced the tour of the nine mandate states of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Bayelsa State, is part of events the organisers are using to create awareness for the games which holds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1-8.
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About 3000 Athletes will be competing for honours in 17 sporting events with an age restriction of not over 25 years of age.
The competition will hold at five venues including the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Itam West Secondary School and Ultrafit Sports Club.
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