The Brazilian soccer star was accused of rape and sexual assault as a result of an unnamed woman’s allegations following an alleged incident at a Barcelona nightclub. He was arrested and then detained in the Brians 2 Prison in Spain. Alves was playing for Mexican club Pumas UNAM at that time, which promptly sacked him following the allegations.
He was initially convicted in a lower court, which sentenced him to jail time, plus fines and a no-contact order with respect to the complainant. But Alves’ lawyers filed an appeal, saying there was not enough evidence.
Now, Spanish outlet Darios claim a superior court has overturned the conviction, stating the testimony of the accuser alone was not enough to sustain a guilty verdict.
This decision ends the lawsuit that has taken a heavyweight toll on Alves’ career. Although a return to playing the sport looks improbable, the ex-Barcelona ace can now turn the page and leave behind charges that had threatened his legacy.
