A Spanish court denied Dani Alves’ request to be released on remand while the investigation into an alleged sexual assault in a Barcelona nightclub proceeds, the regional court said on Tuesday, February 21.
The 39-year-old, who has denied any wrongdoing, was arrested on remand without release on January 20 after a local lady submitted a complaint last month about an event at the city’s premium Sutton nightclub.
Authorities are investigating, and the case of sexual assault remains open.
Alves’ counsel had petitioned for bail if he relinquished his passport and wore an electronic tag, claiming that he had family in Spain.
The court, however, dismissed his claims and ordered him to remain on remand at the Brians 2 jail on Barcelona’s suburbs.
‘There is a high risk of fleeing as… the severe punishment he faces in the present case, the strong evidence of wrongdoing and his economic might would make it possible for him… to leave Spain at any time,’ the court said.
In Spain, a claim of rape is investigated under the general accusation of sexual assault and convictions can lead to jail time of between four and 15 years.