La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares168 Views

      in Soccer

      Shamed rapist Dani Alves spotted trying to go incognito in shades & baseball cap as he signs in at court on £1m bail

      by

      DISGRACED rapist Dani Alves has been spotted arriving at the court in shades and baseball cap as he tries to go incognito.Alves returned to court for his agreed weekly meetings following his prison release on €1million bail.Dani Alves leaving the Barcelona Court after appearing for the second time to certify that he has not fled, on April 5Credit: GettyAlves seemed to be trying to go incognito in shades and a baseball capCredit: EPAThe former Barcelona star is ordered to appear in court every weekCredit: EPAThe footballer was convicted of raping a woman but has been released on bailCredit: GettyThe former Barcelona star was pictured in plain clothes outside the court as he came to certify he has not fled.The Brazilian appeared to be in disguise as he hid his face behind dark sunglasses and baseball cap.He was seen smiling as he walked alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola.Alves has to appear in court every Friday as per conditions of his bail.read more on footballHe also had to hand in his Spanish and Brazilian passports so he could not flee Spain.Alves walked out of prison last week after serving just four weeks of his four-and-a-half-year sentence.He reportedly hosted an all-night party at his £4.5million mansion just hours after his release on €1million bail.Alves was convicted of raping a woman, 23, at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.Most read in FootballThe victim accused Alves of forcing her to have sex in a private bathroom of the nightclub despite begging him to let her go.He has constantly denied the allegations and insisted the sexual encounter was consensual.Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bailHe received a sentence of four and a half years – far less than the nine years public prosecutors demanded and the 12 years Alves’ accuser wanted if he was convicted.But his lawyer won an appeal to get Alves out of jail if he met the bail conditions.The ex-Barcelona ace initially struggled to stump up enough cash despite earning over £45million across his successful career as his funds were frozen.But Spanish journalist Marisa Martín Blazquez has seemingly spilled the beans on Alves’ saviour – a Brazilian magazine.It’s claimed that the publication offered Alves the entire wad of money in exchange for an exclusive interview.One of the requirements Alves seemingly agreed to is to ensure his wife Joana Sanz will also speak to the magazine.The couple have been through a very turbulent past two years as Alves publicly admitted to cheating on Sanz with the woman who alleges she was raped.Sanz asked for a divorce as the star faced his rape trial but she did go on to back Alves in court claiming she was with him the night of the accusations.But it is currently uncertain what the pair’s status is after Joana posted a pic with the disgraced footballer.Spanish media also claims Sanz went to see her ex at his home just days after his release.ALVES’ BAIL CONTROVERSYThe Barcelona court allowed Alves to walk free from his Brians 2 jail despite his recent rape conviction.Alves spent just weeks behind bars but his lawyer Ines Guardiola managed to win a bid to appeal the four-and-a-half year jail sentence.He is now living in the comfort of his £4million home in Esplugues de LLobregat – a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona – as his lawyers go through the appeal process, reports say.The bail conditions set by the court say Alves must stay at least 1,000m away from the home of the victim or any other place she frequently goes.He is also banned from ever contacting her and must handover his Brazilian and Spanish passports.The court feared Alves could leave Spain and travel to his native Brazil to try and avoid serving anymore jail time.Ester Garcia, the lawyer of Alves’ rape victim, attacked the decision to grant him bail last Wednesday.She fumed on RAC1 radio: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”Garcia added: “It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”I am very dissatisfied with this court decision. We will lodge an appeal because we believe it is not in accordance with the law.”Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also condemned Alves’ release.He said: “The money that Daniel Alves has, the money that someone can lend him, cannot buy the offence that a man does to a woman by committing rape.”It comes as residents of Barcelona – where Alves was once seen as an icon – blasted the court’s ruling to free him on bail.One woman said: “I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matter.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If you have money and you are a man, you can do whatever you want and you won’t have to pay.”As a man also gave his view saying “evil” things can’t be forgotten about simply because of money.WHAT HAPPENED?BRAZILIAN international footballer Dani Alves was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.
      In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. 
      Held at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court, the trial lasted three days and saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.
      His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
      In court she claimed that he was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.
      Following the trial, Alves was found guilty of raping the woman.
      He was convicted on February 22 and sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
      The court also ordered Alves to pay £130K (150,000 euros) in compensation to the victim.
      The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
      He had previously been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest on January 20, 2023.
      Alves’ lawyers immediately appealed his sentence.
      On March 20, 2024 – a Barcelona court released Alves on a bail of €1million (£850k) pending an appeal on his conviction.
      His defense is seeking his acquittal while the prosecutor wants his prison sentence increased to nine years.
      There is no date yet for the new trial at a higher court in Barcelona. It can then go to the Supreme Court in Madrid.

      The moment Alves walked out of jail on Monday 25, with his lawyerCredit: Credit: The Mega AgencyEx-wife Joana Sanz and disgraced Dani Alves, pictured years ago, appear to have reconnected More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool legend Fernando Torres to step down as Atletico Madrid U19s coach at end of season

      by

      FERNANDO TORRES is set to leave his role as Atletico Madrid’s Under-19s manager, it’s been claimed.The Atleti legend was given the job in July 2021 and impressed early doors.Fernando Torres has been in charge of Atletico Madrid’s Under-19s for over two yearsCredit: REXBut the Spaniard is reportedly set to leave his role at the end of the seasonCredit: EPABut questions were being asked about his future last month after his troops were dumped out of the UEFA Youth League by AZ Alkmaar.And according to reports, the Spaniard has decided to move onto pastures new. Relevo claim Torres has decided to “step down” from his role at the end of the season.His reported plans to leave the club has left the Atletico brass facing a big decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTalks over his future are said to be on tap for the end of the month.Torres, 40, was seemingly being groomed to take charge of Atletico’s B team.But the success of current Atleti B boss Luis Garcia Tevenet has made that unlikely.The Rojiblancos brass could, however, decide to give the club legend a position in first-team manager Diego Simeone’s coaching staff.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFernando Torres is one of the greatest players in the history of Atletico MadridCredit: EPAFormer Liverpool hitman Torres was honoured with Atleti’s decision to give him the role of Under-19s coach.Reflecting on the news on Twitter, he said: “I’m proud and happy to be returning home.Hench Fernando Torres works up a sweat and pumps some iron in gym after ex-Chelsea star’s stunning body transformation”It’s an exciting challenge I’ve got in front of me.”And we’ll give everything we can to continue to serve our club.”Torres came up through the Atletico’s youth teams before making his first-team debut in 2001.He would go on to score 129 goals in three separate stints for the club.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

    • 188 Shares142 Views

      in Soccer

      Staggering final cost of new Bernabeu revealed after Real Madrid move into state-of-the-art 85,000-capacity stadium

      by

      THE cost of Real Madrid’s newly-renovated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has been revealed.Los Blancos announced plans for a new-look stadium back in 2017 but they have taken several years to come to fruition.The newly-renovated Santiago Bernabeu is expected to cost £1.5BILLIONCredit: AlamyThe stadium has spent years under renovationCredit: AFPThe new-look stadium was due to fully reopen four months ago, but the date has been pushed back to this summer.While Real Madrid have continued playing there this season, some sections of the ground remain closed to the public until the official unveiling.The complete renovation will see the capacity of the stadium increased from 81,000 to 85,000.The Santiago Bernabeu will also boast new restaurants, bars and a space dedicated for e-sports.Read More on Real MadridAmong the latest features are a retractable roof and pitch as well as a new 450-space car park underneath.And a new 360 degree scoreboard is also set to be introduced.While Real Madrid chiefs initially claimed the total cost of the renovation would be just over £860MILLION (€1billion), Spanish economist Hector Mohedano has worked out that it will actually come to around £1.5bn (€1.8bn).Los Blancos signed a loan for £495m (€575m) in 2019 with a fixed interest of 2.5 per cent and an annual repayment plan of £25.5m (€29.5m) between 2023 and 2049.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTop 10 biggest football stadiums in the world

      Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, North Korea (114,000)
      Camp Nou, Spain (99,354)
      FNB Stadium, South Africa (94,736)
      New Administrative Capital Stadium, Egypt (93,940)
      Wembley Stadium, England (90,000)
      Lusail Stadium, Qatar (88,966)
      Estadio Azteca, Mexico (87,525)
      Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia (87,411)
      Borg El-Arab Stadium, Egypt (86,000)
      Santiago Bernabeu, Spain (85,000)

      Officials then requested another £195m (€225m) loan to “finance works not initially included in the remodelling of the stadium” two years later.A third loan worth £320m (€370m) was eventually requested with an interest rate of 5.3 per cent.Headline Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable with football pitch in underground greenhouse and amazing 360-degree big screenThose costs, plus the added interest, are expected to total just under £1.5bn (€1.8bn).Real Madrid currently sit at the top of the LaLiga table, eight points clear of Barcelona.Los Blancos also remain in Champions League contention.They will face Manchester City in the quarter-final first leg next week. More

    • 225 Shares97 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Rubiales detained on arrival at Madrid airport as former Spanish FA chief is transferred to police headquarters

      by

      ‘KISSGATE’ scandal former Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales was met by police today as he flew back to Spain from the Caribbean.Detectives were waiting for him as he stepped off an Air Europa flight from the Dominican Republic which landed at Madrid’s Barajas Airport just after 10.30am local time.Luis Rubiales has been arrested on alleged corruption chargesCredit: EPARubiales has been embroiled in scandal since his ‘unwanted’ kissing of Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup victoryCredit: GettySpeculation rose overnight the 46-year-old father-of-three would be arrested and brought out of the arrivals area in handcuffs to be met by an army of journalists and photographers waiting for him.In the end he was driven away in a police van waiting for him on the runway.He is set to be taken to a police station where he is expected to be formally read his rights and handed a court summons as part of an ongoing corruption probe linked to his time as head of the Spanish FA.The investigation focuses on business deals thought to include one to hold the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.READ MORE ON LUIS RUBIALESA judge is expected to question him in a closed court hearing in the coming days before being released on bail pending an ongoing probe.The investigation, led by a judge based in Majadahonda on the outskirts of Madrid, is unrelated to the separate ‘Kissgate’ probe.Last month public prosecutors involved in that case said they were seeking a two-and-a-half year prison sentence over the “unwanted” kiss Rubiales gave footballer Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup women’s team’s finals victory over England last August.They said in an indictment sent to Madrid-based judge Francisco de Jorge they wanted him jailed for a year if he was found guilty at trial of sexual assault and another one and a half years for coercion linked to his alleged attempts to get the footballer to speak out in his defence following his World Cup kiss.Most read in FootballHermoso recently testified at a Madrid court – a trial has not yet been setCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAround the same time Spanish public prosecutors asked for Rubiales to be arrested over alleged financial irregularities while he was in charge of the Spanish FA.Rubiales’ home in the southern Spanish city of Granada was one of several properties searched on March 20 but he was already in the Caribbean.Disgraced Spain FA chief Luis Rubiales’ mum ‘rushed to hospital’ on 3rd day of her hunger strike over kiss scandalRubiales had already said he would return to Spain and insisted it would be on April 6 but overnight it emerged he had changed his travel plans.He is thought to have avoided an embarrassing arrest, and a photo of him in handcuffs, after confirming his voluntary return ahead of and after a Spanish police operation in the Dominican Republic on Monday with assistance from local officers.He rescheduled his return to Madrid after Spanish police investigators flew to the Caribbean and confiscated his phone and laptop during a reported search of the property he has been staying at on the Caribbean island.Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing in both the ongoing corruption probe and the ‘Kissgate’ case.In a TV interview with Spanish journalist Ana Pastor, set to be screened tonight on La Sexta, he will deny  allegations he embezzled millions of pounds from the Spanish FA and insist: “My money is the product of my work and my savings.”He is also expected to accuse the judge who charged him with coercion and sexual assault over his ‘unwanted’ Jenni Hermoso kiss of manipulation by saying: “I think his way of describing my words is manipulative.”His mother had locked herself in a church in Granada as part of a hunger strike, she was rushed to hospital three days laterCredit: APFurious demonstrations demanded the removal of Rubiales following the World Cup last yearCredit: APA clip of the interview released overnight shows Rubiales, who went to the Dominican Republic earlier this year for work reasons, reacting angrily to claims by Ana Pastor his defence has involved attacking the football player.Pastor was on the same plane as the former Spanish FA chief, who had seat number 25L, and described the flight as ‘eventful’ saying there had been turbulence and several people had fainted.Defiant Rubiales promised to “defend his innocence” after announcing on September 10 last year he was quitting as Spanish FA president following the ‘Kissgate’ scandal. He was subsequently banned from football by FIFA for three years.He tweeted as his resignation decision to resign was made public: “I will defend my honourability. I will defend my innocence.“I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thanks to everybody.”He finished his tweet by posting a photo of the Spanish flag.Rubiales, who had apologised for grabbing his crotch during the post-final World Cup celebrations in front of Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, had said in a lengthy statement before announcing his decision to quit: “The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consensual act, a product of great enthusiasm.“At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both of us.”He resigned as Spanish FA Chief in September last yearCredit: ReutersRubiales’ 72-year-old mum Angeles Bejar went on hunger strike at a church in her son’s hometown of Motril near Granada for two days after being rushed to hospital 48 hours into her protest.She said at the time she had launched it to get Jenni to “tell the truth” about the kiss.Speaking from the inside of the church before falling ill, she said: “I just want the truth to be told.“She knows my son is very honest. If she tells the truth everything will be fixed.”No date for his trial over his Jenni Hermoso kiss has yet been announced.Rubiales has not been formally charged with any crime as part of Operation Brody, the ongoing probe linked to alleged irregularities while he was still Spanish FA president.READ MORE SUN STORIESA judge is however investigating him on suspicion of crimes including corruption and money laundering.Overnight respected Spanish daily El Mundo said police investigators have concluded Rubiales diverted at least EUROS 3.8 million (POUNDS 3.25 million) from the Spanish FA to a construction firm that paid him kickbacks through a company controlled by a close friend. More

    • 250 Shares97 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea FFP woes set to worsen with £72m flop to be sent back to Stamford Bridge after disastrous loan transfer

      by

      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA will leave Real Madrid when his season-long loan expires this summer.The 29-year-old joined Los Blancos in August after refusing a move to Bayern Munich.Kepa Arrizabalaga will leave Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid wanted to sign him on a temporary basis to replace Thibaut Courtois, who suffered an ACL injury during pre-season.When he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kepa revealed he wanted to seal a permanent move at the end of the season.However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims he will return to Chelsea instead.Kepa has been limited to just 18 appearances this season, with back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin taking his spot in the first team.Read More on FootballReal Madrid officials now want to reward Lunin with a new contract.They are also waiting for Courtois to return from his latest injury setback.Kepa’s return to Stamford Bridge could spell trouble for Chelsea, with the club needing to balance the books due to Financial Fair Play.The Blues could be forced into selling some key players – including Reece James and Conor Gallagher – this summer to comply with FFP regulations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKepa has fallen out of favour at Real MadridBut they will have to accept a huge loss to offload Kepa.The goalkeeper joined Chelsea in a £71.6million transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.Andy Dillon and Will Pugh discuss where Chelsea’s transfer policy has gone wrong, the future of Conor Gallagher and The Blues’ spendingAnd according to Transfermarkt, he is now valued at just £12m.Kepa made 163 Chelsea appearances before leaving for Real Madrid.The Blues have since signed Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic. More

    • 213 Shares97 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea star Marcos Alonso ‘agrees free transfer to Euro giant after being told Barcelona career is over’

      by

      EX-CHELSEA star Marcos Alonso has been told his Barcelona career is over.And the left-back is set to move to one of the Catalan club’s greatest rivals.Alonso’s Barca career appears to be overCredit: GettyAlonso, 33, has featured rarely for Barcelona this season, making just seven appearances in total.He joined the reigning Spanish champions from Chelsea in 2022.The club told Alonso they will not be renewing the player’s contract at the end of the season and he will again be a free agent.According to Spanish outlet Cadena Ser, an agreement exists for Atletico Madrid to sign the player on a free.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlonso has struggled with injury this season and will face an uphill battle to prove his fitness at Atletico.He underwent surgery to improve a lumbar problem in January and was only discharged in March.Should Alonso make the move, he would be following in the footsteps of his father, Marcos Sr, who also played for Atletico and Barca.Sadly, Alonso’s father passed away in February last year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlonso came through Real Madrid’s youth academy and should he make the move to Atletico would be one of the few players to play for Spain’s big three: Barca, Real and Atletico.Alonso left Madrid to join Bolton, he then joined Fiorentina before spending some time on loan at Sunderland.Inside Chelsea flop Mateja Kezman’s amazing mountain resort in Serbia He’s best known for his spell at Chelsea, where he played 212 games, scoring 29 goals and registering 21 assists. More

    • 225 Shares98 Views

      in Soccer

      Dani Alves’ ex-wife Joana Sanz shares first pic with disgraced Barcelona star since prison release after rape conviction

      by

      DANI Alves’ ex-wife has shared a pic with the disgraced Barcelona star for the first time since he was released from prison. The shamed footballer, who was jailed for raping a woman in a Spanish nightclub, walked free last week after appealing his four-and-a-half-year sentence. Ex-wife Joana Sanz and disgraced Dani Alves, pictured years ago, appear to have reconnectedCredit: instagramThe couple had been split since last year after Dani was accused of rapeCredit: Instagram @joanasanzHowever, Joana today shared a pic of the couple’s hands on her InstagramCredit: Instagram / @joanasanzAlves appealed his conviction and walked free from prison last MondayCredit: SplashAlves was released after serving just four weeks of his conviction as he coughed up €1million (£850,000) for bail.Just hours after the disgraced star was released he hosted an all-night party at his £4.5m mansion. Soon after Alves returned home, a bouquet of flowers was delivered to the address.Rumours swirled the bouquet could have been a gift for his estranged wife Joana Sanz, 31. Read more on football On Saturday, Spanish media reported the supermodel had already paid Alves a visit. Within 24 hours of his release, Joana deactivated her Instagram account.Her Instagram profile is now back up and running, but she no longer follows Alves and has wiped her account of all pictures of him.But now Joana has posted a photo of Alves, one of the world’s most decorated footballers, to her story. Most read in FootballShe snapped a photo of the pair holding hands in the sunshine, with what appeared to be matching 1+1=1 tattoos. Alves’ distinctive hand ink is on display, too. Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bailThe disgraced star, who played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona in December, 2022. The ex-Barcelona star saw his life unravel after he was arrested by Catalan police in January 2023 – and kept behind bars until he appealed his sentence. In court the victim claimed Alves was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.In a trial held last month, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. He was found guilty of the sex attack on Feburary 2022, but walked free on Monday March 25 after appealing the conviction. Despite winning the fight to serve his sentence from the comfort of his own home, Alves will still need to appear at court once a week.He was also required to hand in his Spanish and Brazilian passports, so he cannot flee Spain.Rumours are swirling about how the former footballer managed to find the funds necessary to secure his bail.READ MORE SUN STORIESSome say his former teammates could have put the money together.It was also alleged that Alves called on Neymar’s father to pay his bail.Alves and Joana, at The Best FIFA Football Awards in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyAlves celebrates after winning the Copa America football tournament in Brazil in 2019Credit: AFPWHAT HAPPENED?BRAZILIAN international footballer Dani Alves was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.
      In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. 
      Held at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court, the trial lasted three days and saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.
      His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
      In court she claimed that he was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.
      Following the trial, Alves was found guilty of raping the woman.
      He was convicted on February 22 and sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
      The court also ordered Alves to pay £130K (150,000 euros) in compensation to the victim.
      The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
      He had previously been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest on January 20, 2023.
      Alves’ lawyers immediately appealed his sentence.
      On March 20, 2024 – a Barcelona court released Alves on a bail of €1million (£850k) pending an appeal on his conviction.
      His defense is seeking his acquittal while the prosecutor wants his prison sentence increased to nine years.
      There is no date yet for the new trial at a higher court in Barcelona. It can then go to the Supreme Court in Madrid. More

    • 188 Shares137 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea star Marcos Alonso’s Barcelona career over after less than two years with Spanish giants

      by

      MARCOS ALONSO will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports.The ex-Chelsea star switched to the Catalan giants from Stamford Bridge less than two years ago.Marcos Alonso will leave Barcelona at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyTransfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted the news that the 33-year-old will leave as a free agent at the end of the term.He said: “Understand Marcos Alonso will leave Barcelona as a free agent at the end of the current season. “Massive respect between club and player but he’s leaving in June, decision made.”Sergi Roberto could also leave for free but the final decision will also depend on Xavi’s future.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More