Alves Remains in Prison Overnight as Neymar’s Father Declines £1m Bail
Football star Dani Alves is set to spend another night in a Spanish prison after Neymar’s father refused to pay his £1 million bail. Alves, who was convicted of rape in February, had the opportunity to appeal his conviction earlier this week. It was believed that Neymar Jr’s father would help raise the funds to secure Alves’ release, but he announced that the matter is now over for his family. Alves borrowed money from Neymar Jr’s father to cover the costs of his appeal.
Alves has only served one month of his four-and-a-half-year sentence so far. The court ruling stated that he could be released on bail while his legal team carried out the appeal process. However, part of the bail conditions required him to pay £1 million, which he has not yet managed to do. It was previously reported that Neymar’s father would assist in raising the funds, and it is believed that he also contributed to the £130,000 compensation package ordered by the court.
Neymar’s father did not disclose the amount of money they provided to Alves, but stated that it is now a “different situation” since the court ruled against him. He expressed hope that Alves would find the answers he seeks within his own family. Defense sources confirmed that Alves will spend at least one more night in prison and should be released on Friday. He is expected to return to his home in Spain while his lawyers proceed with the appeal process.
The decision to allow Alves to leave prison on bail was made by a majority ruling panel in court. The bail conditions also include staying at least 1,000m away from the victim’s home or any places she frequents, as well as a ban on contacting her and surrendering his passports. The court expressed concern that Alves may attempt to leave Spain and escape to Brazil to avoid further jail time. Alves did not meet the 2:30pm deadline to deposit the bail money, and it is unclear why the transfer was not completed.
The reaction to Alves’ potential release on bail has been met with criticism. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the decision, stating that money cannot buy forgiveness for the offense of rape. The victim’s lawyer described the ruling as “scandalous” and criticized it as “justice for the rich.” Residents of Barcelona also expressed their disapproval, calling for sentences to be served equally and not bypassed through monetary means.
Alves’ former wife, Joana Sanz, who filed for divorce after the allegations surfaced, deactivated her Instagram account shortly after his release on bail. However, she previously supported Alves in court and claimed to be with him on the night of the accusations. The status of their relationship is currently uncertain. Alves’ mother posted on Instagram celebrating his release and expressing her belief in his innocence.
In court, Alves denied the rape allegations and insisted that the sexual encounter was consensual. The victim testified that she willingly entered the bathroom with Alves but was then forced to stay against her will. She claimed that Alves slapped and insulted her before forcing her into having sex. The court found Alves guilty of rape and sentenced him to four-and-a-half years in prison. They also ordered him to pay £130,000 in compensation to the victim and imposed a restraining order.
In a separate case, former Manchester City star Robinho has been ruled by Brazil’s Supreme Court to serve his nine-year prison sentence for a gang-rape committed in Italy. Robinho had evaded jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo but will now face the consequences of his actions.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Alves’ football career continues to make headlines. He recently signed a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, further solidifying his status as one of the most decorated footballers in history. As the appeal process unfolds, the outcome of Alves’ case remains uncertain, but it is clear that his personal and professional life will continue to be closely followed by fans and critics alike.