Dani Alves returns €150,000 to Neymar Jr.'s father amid sexual assault conviction appeal
Posted : 11 April 2024
Former Brazil international Dani Alves has refunded €150,000 to Neymar Jr.'s father, money initially provided to assist in Alves' defense against a sexual assault charge, for which he was ultimately convicted. Alves, currently out on bail pending an appeal, returned the funds last week, as confirmed by his lawyer, Inés Guardiola. The 40-year-old footballer was sentenced to 4½ years in prison by Catalonia's top court on February 22 for sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022.
Following his conviction, Alves was released from jail on March 25 after posting a €1 million bail payment required for his appeal process. While reports suggested Neymar Sr. aided in securing the bail, he denied any involvement, emphasizing the changed circumstances due to the conviction. Alves and Neymar Jr. have a history of playing together at Barcelona and for the Brazil national team, as well as briefly at Paris Saint-Germain.
Having spent 14 months in prison before his sentencing, Alves' release on bail came just a month after his conviction. However, conditions for his release include surrendering his Brazilian and Spanish passports, remaining in the country, and undergoing weekly check-ins at the courthouse.
Despite efforts by the victim's legal team to contest his release, a Barcelona court upheld Alves' bail, though prosecutors are pushing for a longer prison sentence, while the victim's lawyer seeks a 12-year term. As the appeal trial awaits scheduling, Alves' defense seeks his acquittal while facing the possibility of an extended prison term from prosecutors.