<<Print>>

Former Barcelona player Dani Alves has asked to be released from prison on bail as he awaits a final sentencing in his sexual assault case.

Alves was sentenced to four years and six months in jail in February after being found guilty of sexual assault. The former Brazil international has appealed the sentence and asked to be released on bail at a hearing. Alves has claimed he will remain in Spain if he is released but prosecutors have argued he poses a high flight risk, as reported by El Pais.

He told a bail hearing: "I believe in justice. I’m not going to run away and I will be at the disposal of the court until the end."

Alves's lawyer Ines Guardiola has also argued for the former Barcelona star to be released on bail, pointing out he has a home and deep roots in the city after playing for the club between 2008 and 2016 and then returning for a second stint in 2021. The disgraced star was denied bail before he was sentenced in February after being deemed a "flight risk."

Judges are expected to rule shortly on whether Alves can be released on bail. The 40-year-old has already spent the last 14 months in jail after initially being arrested in January 2023.