Barcelona court denies football player Dani Alves’ bail request

OVIEDO, Spain

A Barcelona court on Tuesday denied the bail request of football player Dani Alves, who will remain in a Catalan prison in pre-trial detention.

The Brazilian football star, who previously played for FC Barcelona, was remanded in January over allegations that he raped a young woman at a Barcelona nightclub late last year.

The court agreed with prosecutors that Alves has a flight risk due to his wealth and the serious charges that he faces.

His accuser says he raped her in a nightclub bathroom.

Before his arrest, Alves told Spanish media that he had never met the alleged victim.

However, after an initial hearing, his story changed. His legal team is now arguing that the sex was consensual, according to Spanish media reports.

When he was arrested, Alves played for the Mexican football team Pumas. After his arrest, the team terminated his contract.

If the 39-year-old footballer is found guilty, he could face from four to 12 years behind bars.

He is currently being held in the Catalan prison Brians 2, the same penitentiary where American anti-virus software inventor John McAfee committed suicide.

• Dani Alves
• FC Barcelona
• Rape case