Ex-Barca player to be freed on €1m bail after rape conviction

After serving nearly 25% of his sentence for rape, a Spanish court has decided that former Barcelona and Brazil football player Dani Alves can be released from prison on a conditional basis.

Alves, who was given a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence last month, will be freed after posting a bond of €1 million (£853,000).

His pre-trial confinement began in January 2023.

The 40-year-old was convicted in December 2022 of raping a lady in a Barcelona nightclub.

The judgment was dubbed “a scandal” by the victim’s attorney.

Reports in Spain say the conditions for his release include submission of his Brazilian and Spanish passports so he cannot leave Spain.

He must also appear before the court weekly.

The court also imposed a restraining order, preventing him from approaching the victim.

The victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, said: “To me, it’s a scandal that they let a person who they know can get a million euros in no time walk free.”

Ms Garcia told RAC1 radio she was “outraged and dissatisfied” with the ruling, adding it was “a justice (system) for the rich” and that she would lodge an appeal.

Lawyers for Alves have not yet commented.

The embattled defender featured more than 400 times for Barcelona, winning six league titles and three Champions Leagues across two spells with the club. He was also part of Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.