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Former Football Star, Dani Alves’ Trial Commences Amid Rape Allegations

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Former Brazilian football star, Dani Alves stood trial in Barcelona on Monday, facing serious charges of allegedly raping a woman within a local nightclub.

Prosecutors are adamant in their demand for a nine-year prison sentence, coupled with a subsequent 10 years of conditional liberty.

Additionally, they propose a compensation of 150,000 euros ($162,000) to be paid to the alleged victim.

The 40-year-old, renowned for his stints with Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, arrived at court in a police van from a nearby prison where he has been in custody since his arrest in January 2023.

The trial commenced at approximately 10:30 am (0930 GMT), marking a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings against the football icon.

A multitude of journalists gathered outside the court to report on the commencement of the trial, anticipated to conclude on Wednesday, with a verdict expected several weeks later.

Recall that Dani Alves’ arrest ensued from accusations by a young woman, alleging that he raped her in the VIP area’s bathroom at the upscale Sutton nightclub in Barcelona during the early hours of December 31, 2022.

The three-time Champions League winner, Dani Alves, initially denied knowing the woman but later stated they had consensual sex during a television interview.

The prosecution alleges that Alves, on holiday in Barcelona after representing Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar, offered champagne to the young woman and her friend.

Following the champagne offer, Alves purportedly invited the woman into a small enclosure at the nightclub, which she claims she was unaware was a lavatory.

According to the prosecution’s indictment, once inside, the footballer exhibited a “violent attitude,” compelling her to engage in intercourse despite her resistance.

As per the indictment, the victim repeatedly requested Dani Alves to let her go, expressing her desire to leave, but the defendant allegedly prevented her from doing so.

The legal document describes a “situation of anguish and terror” for the young woman.

Following her departure from the nightclub, the woman received medical treatment and is currently undergoing therapy for post-traumatic stress, as indicated by prosecutors.

In a June interview with Barcelona-based daily La Vanguardia, Dani Alves admitted to initially lying about knowing his accuser, citing fear that his wife would leave him if he confessed to being with another woman.

“I have a really clear conscience regarding what happened that night in the bathroom of the VIP area of the Sutton nightclub,” he told the newspaper.

“What happened and what didn’t happen. And what didn’t happen is that I forced this woman to do anything that we did.”

Dani Alves’ mother, Lucia Alves, present at the Barcelona court on Monday, faces potential prosecution after naming and picturing her son’s accuser in a since-removed social media post from January.

Despite repeated requests for release pending trial, Spanish courts have consistently rejected them, citing concerns about a potential flight risk to Brazil, a country that typically does not extradite its citizens.

Widely recognized as one of the greatest full-backs in history, Alves amassed an impressive 42 trophies throughout his illustrious career, securing three Champions Leagues with Barcelona and two Copa Americas with Brazil.

His peak performance occurred during his tenure with Barcelona from 2008 to 2016, where he clinched 23 trophies.

At the time of his arrest, Dani Alves, who had also played for Sevilla, was associated with the Mexican club Pumas UNAM, which promptly terminated his contract following the legal developments.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Lea Moran

    February 6, 2024 at 5:55 am

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Obi’s Inspiring Christmas Message Of Hope For Women’s Football

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The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Nkechi Obi, has delivered an inspiring Christmas message, celebrating the board’s achievements in 2024 while expressing hope and determination for the future of women’s football in Nigeria.

Reflecting on the milestones of the past year, Obi extended heartfelt gratitude to players, coaches, fans, and stakeholders for their unwavering dedication to the league’s growth and success.

The experienced sports administrator described 2024 as a year of breaking barriers, strengthening structures, and laying the groundwork for even greater accomplishments.

ALSO READ: Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians

“As we celebrate Christmas and reflect on another remarkable year, I want to express my profound gratitude to everyone who has been part of the NWFL’s journey,” Obi said.

“To our players, your passion, talent, and resilience are the heart of this league, inspiring us to aim higher. To the coaches, officials, sponsors, and supporters, your commitment to advancing women’s football in Nigeria has been invaluable.”

Obi emphasized the values of love, unity, and hope that Christmas embodies, drawing parallels to the collaborative spirit driving the league forward. She encouraged stakeholders to celebrate the progress made and remain optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.

“The 2024/2025 season promises to be one of growth, excitement, and greater inclusivity,” she added.

“Together, we will continue to push boundaries and ensure women’s football reaches its full potential in Nigeria. I wish you all a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May the season bring peace, love, and renewed inspiration for us all.”

Her message not only celebrates the successes of the past year but also sets a tone of optimism and collaboration for 2025, reaffirming the NWFL board’s commitment to excellence and progress.

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Australian Tennis Champion, Max Purcell Faces Doping Suspension

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Australian doubles champion, Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended after admitting to a violation of anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.

The 26-year-old, ranked 12th in the world for doubles, confessed to using a “prohibited method” and voluntarily entered a provisional suspension beginning December 10.

READ ALSO: Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives

The ITIA confirmed the suspension took full effect on December 12, stating, “Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”

As a result of the suspension, the 26-year-old is banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies.

This suspension rules him out of January’s Australian Open, where he was expected to be a strong contender.

Purcell’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and this year’s US Open doubles crown alongside Jordan Thompson.

In a statement, Tennis Australia clarified that the violation concerned a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.

“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it said.

The ITIA did not provide further details regarding the breach but noted that investigations are ongoing.

This case comes amid increased scrutiny over doping in tennis. Recent incidents include Polish world number two Iga Swiatek and Italian top-ranked player Jannik Sinner.

Swiatek received a one-month sanction earlier this year after testing positive for a banned heart medication, though the violation was deemed unintentional.

Meanwhile, Sinner was cleared after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, though the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision.

Both Swiatek and Sinner are set to compete in the Australian Open, beginning January 12.

 

 

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CAF Awards: GTI Congratulates NFF, Lookman, Others

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Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Group has congratulated the football ruling body on the successful achievements of Nigerian footballers at the just concluded CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco where Super Eagles dare-devil striker Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year.

Head of Media and Publicity, GTI, Andrew Ekejiuba, in a statement in Lagos, expressed great hope that the efforts of the NFF at restructuring and repositioning football development in the country has begun yielding the desired results.

Biztellers reports that CAF awards event also witnessed the back-to-back emergence of Super Falcons goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

ALSO READ: NWFL Board In Talks With StarTimes For More Visibility

Ekejiuba reiterated that the Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is gradually returning the country to the glorious years when Nigeria dominated the award and was once ranked 5th best soccer-playing nation by the world football ruling body FIFA.

“The achievements of our Nigerian players at the just concluded CAF Award is a testament to the abundance of talents in the country and the clear vision of Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to ensure that these players realise their ambition to become the best in the continent and beyond.

“Therefore, GTI congratulates the Awardees for bringing honour to Nigeria,” he said.

“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League, GTI’s relentless effort with the NPFL Board has helped to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous elite league that will eventually attract the best legs locally and internationally. Also, by focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive”.

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