A Spanish Court of Appeal has overturned former Brazil and Barcelona player, Dani Alves’ rape conviction.
The court argued that Alves’ trial was marked by “shortcomings” and “inaccuracies”.
Recall that the 41 years old was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail in February 2024 for allegedly raping a young woman in the VIP bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022.
READ MORE: Spanish court gives Brazil’s Dani Alves nearly 5 years for sexual assault
The three times winner of UEFA Champions League was released from jail last March pending his appeal after he posted the one million euros ($1.1million) bail set by the court.
Meanwhile, the appeals court on Friday, said that its four judges had “unanimously” accepted the player’s appeal and “annulled” his conviction,.
The court also rejected the appeal filed by public prosecutors, who were seeking a more severe jail term of nine years.
Alves initially claimed he never met the woman but later said they had consensual sex.
His lawyers argued during the trial the victim had been “glued” to the player while dancing at the nightclub.
