- Trial for ex-Brazil and Barcelona defender Dani Alves, accused of sexual assault, set for February 5-7, 2024, in Spain
- Alves faces a Spanish prosecutor seeking a nine-year prison term, restraining order, and damages payment after alleged nightclub assault
The trial for former Brazil and Barcelona defender, Dani Alves, accused of sexual assault in Spain, is set to take place from February 5 to February 7, 2024.
Currently held in prison without bail since his arrest in January, Alves faces allegations of assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub last year. Initially denying any sexual encounter, Alves later stated that the interaction was consensual.
A Spanish prosecutor is pursuing a nine-year prison term for the 40-year-old footballer. Additionally, the prosecutor is requesting a restraining order post the jail term and a payment of damages totaling 150,000 euros (£130,000) to the woman involved.
The scheduled trial underscores the legal proceedings surrounding Alves’ case and the severity of the charges brought against him.
Boniface joint second assists provider in Europe
Victor Boniface, a Nigerian international, is tied for second in the top five major European leagues in terms of assists.
Boniface joined Bayer Leverkusen for €20 million from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the previous transfer window, but has since evolved into an important member of the club.
The 22-year-old striker has played a key role in Die Werkself’s outstanding performance in the 2023/24 season, which has them sitting atop the Bundesliga standings after 15 match days.
With his 16 goal contributions (nine goals and seven assists) in 22 league appearances, the Super Eagles forward is one of the most key players in Europe.
His seven assists is only bettered by Bayern Munich Leroy Sane, who has eight assists in the Bundelisga.
The former Manchester City man is the player with the most assists in Europe for the 2023/24 season.
Boniface, Xavi Simons, Mohamed Salah, Kieran Trippier, Julian Brandt, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jan-Niklas Beste and Pedro Neto are in a large group of players tied for second place.
Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins and Marcus Thuram all have six assists each to sit just two assists off Sane.