Renowned ex-Brazil and Barcelona defender, Dani Alves, is set to face trial in Spain for an alleged sexual assault case. Alves, aged 40, has been held in custody since January after an arrest relating to accusations of assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December.

The football star vehemently denies the allegations, asserting that the encounter was consensual. Despite his claims, a Barcelona court has approved his trial based on requests from both the public prosecutor and the woman’s legal representative.

“The statements from the alleged victim, alongside witness testimonies and expert reports within the case, are deemed sufficient for trial consideration, pending the conclusive outcome during the trial phase,” stated the court in a released statement.

The court is yet to schedule a specific date for the legal proceedings. Alves was formally charged by a Spanish judge back in August.

In Spain, cases of alleged rape fall under the category of sexual assault. Convictions in such cases can result in prison sentences ranging from four to 15 years.

Alves, a veteran of 408 appearances for Barcelona, boasts an impressive track record, clinching six league titles and three Champions League trophies across two stints. Additionally, he was a key part of Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.

Following the incident, Alves’ most recent club, Mexican outfit Pumas UNAM, promptly terminated his contract in January.