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

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      ‘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

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      Disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales facing 2.5 YEARS in prison and £85,000 payout over World Cup kiss scandal

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      THE axed Spanish FA chief who planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lips should be jailed for two-and-a-half years, prosecutors say.Disgraced Luis Rubiales should also pay £85,000 compensation to victim Jenni Hermoso if convicted of sexual assault and covering up the infamous “Kissgate” scandal.Luis Rubiales could face two and a half years in prisonCredit: APThe axed Spanish FA chief planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lipsCredit: GettyThe moment where Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales kisses Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lipsCredit: EnterpriseLuis Rubiales and Piers Morgan on Talk TVCredit: Talk TVThe demands were laid out in a six-page indictment made public yesterday amid continuing fall-out 46-year-old Rubiales’s behaviour at the World Cup Final in Australia last year.Prosecutors say his unseemly conduct – beamed worldwide on TV – warrants a one-year jail term for a sexual assault.But they are also demanding a separate one-year and six month prison sentence for “coercion” linked to his alleged attempts to get Jenni, 33, to speak out in his defence.Madrid-based judge Francisco de Jorge paved the way for Rubiales to face criminal action earlier this year after recommending he be put in the dock.Read more on Luis RubialesHe said his long-running probe had uncovered “solid evidence” pointing to the potential illegality of the kiss.Mr de Jorge has already quizzed the former football boss and his alleged victim separately in closed sessions at Spain’s national court.He said: “The investigation has revealed the existence of solid evidence the kiss was not consensual and was a unilateral and surprise initiative on his part.“Whether there was not any erotic intention or it was a result of the state of euphoria … is something that should be valued in a public trial.”Most read in FootballHe said he had concluded Hermoso had been left “bewildered and surprised” by the “unexpected” kiss and “didn’t have time to react”.Rubiales grabbed her by the head with both hands and locked lips with her at the awards ceremony in front of millions of TV viewers watching live last August.Spain FA chief Rubiales enters women’s dressing room and vows to MARRY Hermoso and take stars to Ibiza after kiss stormRubiales’ home was raided earlier this month as part of a separate corruption probe into a deal to move the Super Cup to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyA Europol agent and several agents from the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit leave the Royal Spanish Football Federation last week in MadridCredit: GettyHe also proposed former Spain’s women’s team manager Jorge Vilda, men’s team director Albert Luque and former FA marketing director Ruben Rivera should face trial.Mr de Jorge said in his written ruling he believed there was enough evidence to proceed with a formal accusation against all three for their “concerted action” to nobble Jenni.He said Rubiales and the rio tried to “break Jennifer Hermoso’s will and get her to agree to record a video saying the kiss had been consensual”.The judge concluded in his bombshell ruling: “The pressure the player was submitted to created in Jennifer Hermoso a situation of anxiety and intense stress.”Public prosecutors said yesterday they were seeking prison sentences of one year and six months for Vilda, Luque and Rivera if convicted of coercion.Hermoso, 33, who now plays for Mexican side Tigres, sparked the Audiencia Nacional investigation by filing a complaint against Rubiales last September.She his unsolicited smacker as a sexist act which left her feeling vulnerable – after Rubiales insisted it was consensual and “a peck”.Mr de Jorge banned him from going within 200 metres of Hermoso or making any contact with her.Defiant Rubiales pledged “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.”Rubiales is at the centre of a separate corruption probe over to a multi-million euro deal to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.He is currently in the Dominican Republic but has promised to return to Spain to defend himself.An apartment belonging to the former Spanish FA chief was searched earlier this month.And today, six suspects have been arrested after state prosecutors raided 11 premises around Spain as part of the Saudi Arabia cup probe, Sky News reported.The offices of the Spanish Football Federation on the outskirts of Madrid were searched, along with Rubiales’ residence in the southern city of Granada.However, Spain’s Guardia Civil stated that the former president was not one of the six arrested and was out of the country when authorities raided his property.READ MORE SUN STORIESRubiales is one of five persons formally under investigation, according to authorities.The office of Spain’s state prosecutors stated that police and Europol detectives were looking for papers and that the operation is expected to result in seven arrests and the identification of five additional persons as under investigation.Luis Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism over the ‘Kissgate’ scandalCredit: Getty More

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      Scotland & Man Utd ace Scott McTominay’s fiancee’s investment firm being probed by ‘fraud cops’ as star faces £1m loss

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      COPS are investigating an alleged “investment fraud” that left Scott McTominay facing a £1million loss.The Scotland idol invested in a failed firm run by fiancée Cameron Reading and her dad Ashley.Cops are investigating an alleged investment fraud that left Scott McTominay facing significant lossesCredit: Kenny RamsayThe failed firm was run by Cameron Reading and her dad AshleyCredit: InstagramBoyzone star Shane Lynch was reportedly an investor in the firmCredit: PA:Press AssociationTOWIE’s Mario Falcone allegedly gave money to Fortress Capital PartnersCredit: GettyFortress Capital Partners went bust in September last year.The firm owed £18million and left 230 people out of pocket.It reportedly borrowed money from investors including Boyzone star Shane Lynch and Mario Falcone from TOWIE, then lent it out at higher interest rates.It has now emerged the firm is the subject of a probe by officers at the Metropolitan Police.The force said: “We can confirm that officers from the Met’s Economic Crime Team are investigating allegations of fraud made to police on 10 November 2023 following a referral from Action Fraud.”There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing.”The Readings splashed out millions on luxury investment properties in the UK, Dubai and Spain. McTominay, 27, lent Fortress £1million to buy one in Portugal.Most read in FootballThe footie star now stands to get back just £100,000 after administrators confirmed investors are expected to get just 10p of every £1 they put in.One investor told of their anger over Reading’s social media posts flaunting her “luxury lifestyle”.Man United’s Scott McTominay faces losing nearly £1million after investing in a failed firm run by his fianceThey told the Sun on Sunday: “There is a photo of Cam blowing a kiss with a glass of Champagne at a Claridge’s hotel room with Scott. It really rubs salt in the wound for those of us who’ve lost our life savings or face losing their homes.”There’s another pic from Instagram of Ashley, his wife, Cam and her sister. They always seemed to be going on holiday. At one point, they were in Dubai for months and months.”Cameron has been forced to sell properties in Dubai and Spain to help settle her debts.She was approached for comment by The Scottish Sun. More

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      Police fire warning to footie fans ahead of crucial Euro 2024 play-off final with crowd trouble fears

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      WALES and Poland fans have been given a fresh warning over the dangers of flares ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 play-off final in Cardiff.Seven Polish supporters were arrested following a fiery Nations League clash at the 33,000-capacity Cardiff City Stadium back in September 2022, including four for the possession of a pyrotechnic device.Poland won 1-0 in the last clash between the sides back in September 2022 at the Cardiff City StadiumCredit: RexPolice clashed with Polish fans before Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League tie with Legia WarsawCredit: RexFlares were lit by the Poles during the national anthems before kick-off and then throughout the match.While a firework was also set off from the away section seconds after Karol Swiderski’s 57th minute winner.Now the Football Association of Wales and South Wales Police have joined forces in a bid to clamp down on crowd trouble.The sell-out Euro tie is a huge clash with a spot at the finals in Germany this summer up for grabs.Read More FootballThe FAW said: “There is no safe use of pyrotechnics in spectator areas at football events with their use having many health risks and dangers such as loss of sight, limb or digit removal due to their explosive power.“Any person committing such an offence faces an FA Wales ban, probable arrest and a minimum 3-year Football Banning Order.“Additionally, should persons be identified using pyrotechnics in places of public assembly away from and en route to the stadium, they can be issued with section 34 notices and be instructed to leave the area with details passed to the FAW, Cardiff City Stadium and the authorities. “This may result in entry to the stadium being denied.”  Most read in FootballSouth Wales Police added their voice to the security issue with supporters repeatedly warned that the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums are banned and will incur sanctions.Superintendent Steve Rees added: “South Wales Police has vast experience in the policing of major international sporting events which have been held successfully in South Wales over many years and a policing plan is in place for this important fixture for Wales.Wales 4-1 Finland: Rob Page press conference“Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match, or attempting to bring one into a football stadium, is a criminal offence, and anyone found guilty of committing such an offence faces arrest and a Football Banning Order.“We work closely with Cardiff City Stadium whose staff are responsible for ensuring that supporters abide by stadium regulations.“As always we would encourage those attending the match to follow the supporter advice published by the Football Association of Wales.”Victory will book a spot against the Netherlands, France and Austria in Group D of Euro 2024 this summer.Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League showdown with Legia Warsaw in November was marred by crowd trouble, with 46 Polish fans charged after violent clashes with police.The FAW were fined more than £14,500 by FIFA after home fans let off flares during 2022 World Cup play-off victories over Austria and Ukraine in Cardiff.  READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 1993, John Hill died after being hit by a flare at the old National Stadium in Cardiff at Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Romania.At the final whistle, two men on the opposite side of the stadium let off a marine distress flare that travelled over the pitch and struck the 67-year-old. More

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      Over 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during Euros in new crackdown

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      MORE than 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during the Euros this summer.A fresh law imposed from today will force the yobs to surrender their passports to the police.Over 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during the Euros this summerCredit: Fame FlynetAny failing to comply and trying to travel to host nation Germany faces six months in jail or an unlimited fine.Policing minister Chris Philp said: “Violence, abuse, and disorder have no place in the game we love.“The vast majority of fans are law-abiding, but we will have zero tolerance for those who disrupt this incredible event.“These measures will ensure true football fans can travel to the tournament safely and prevent hooligans from committing these crimes abroad.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe crackdown applies to 1,624 in England and Wales with football banning orders. Courts issued 682 of these five-year bans last season — the most for 12 years after possession of Class A drugs such as cocaine was added.During the month-long Euros, the sanctioned hooligans can only go abroad with the permission of the Football Banning Orders Authority. Cops will also get new powers to intercept other known louts.Most read in FootballAround 1,300 yobs were stopped from travelling to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, under banning laws covering international games, but they have now been extended to the Euros.Pub-drinking England fans are most at risk at Euros from martial arts trained football ultras More

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      Marco Muller dead at 71: Ex-footballer turned bank robber dubbed ‘Swiss Robin Hood’ dies after 36 years on the run

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      A FORMER top-flight star turned jailed bank robber has been found dead after 36 YEARS on the run from police.Marco Muller, 71, played for current Swiss Super League champions Young Boys during the Seventies.Marco Muller, 71, died after 36 years on the run from the policeCredit: PoliceThe defender also won Swiss youth international caps, and played for lower-league club SR Delemont.But Muller turned to a life of crime after hanging up his boots aged just 20, and was dubbed the Swiss Robin Hood.He robbed a series of banks and cash-in-transit vans during the 1980s, netting a haul estimated at over £2.5million.Muller escaped from Jura prison while serving time for a string of armed heists.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLater re-arrested, he went on the run while on remand in Berne jail in 1988 and was never recaptured.He had been due to answer charges of holding up cash vans in Geneva and Delemont.Muller’s story ended tragically when his body was found by a railway line near his home town Bassecourt last month.His identity was only confirmed by DNA tests last week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe fugitive footballer had been thought to be hiding out in France in the intervening years.Muller’s former accomplice Andre Jaggi said: “I don’t think Marco returned to his home town while he was on the run.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”He wasn’t stupid. Even in disguise he would have been recognised here from his way of walking.”The police came to tell me he was dead. It gave me a funny feeling.”He used to keep the lion’s share of the money after robberies. Then he would borrow more from me, and say he’d repay me after the next heist.”Yves Girard, 71, worked in a bank in Bassecourt raided by Muller in 1979.He recalled: “The guy came in wearing a red wig and a long coat, like in a Sergio Leone film.”He pulled out sticks of dynamite, and told me to get all the money out of the safe or else I’d be blown sky high.” More

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      Vile football coach Barry Bennell who abused young boys at top clubs died in jail in ‘significant pain’ from cancer

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      PAEDO football coach Barry Bennell died in “significant pain” in prison after being diagnosed with tonsil cancer, an inquest heard today.The predator died at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire where he was serving a 34-year sentence for abusing young boys.Barry Bennell died in prison in SeptemberCredit: PAAn inquest heard how Bennell, 69, was receiving palliative care after he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last year.The paedo had previously suffered from throat cancer in 2004, which had resurfaced in 2016.At the time of his death on September 16, Bennell was being fed with a tube and could only communicate through writing.Cambridgeshire’s area coroner Elizabeth Gray said he was in a “significant amount of pain which was managed by the healthcare team at the prison”.Read more on BennellHe had discharged himself back to prison from Hinchingbrooke Hospital against medical advice two days before his death.A post mortem found he died from bilateral bronchopneumonia , with his tonsil cancer given as a contributing factor.The hearing was told Bennell had previously tried to kill himself and was found with opiates in his possession.A report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman concluded the care Bennell received was of a “good standard and equivalent to that he would have received in the wider community”.Most read in FootballPolice found no signs of third party involvement, the inquest was told.The coroner said: “I’m satisfied the conclusion for Mr Jones is he died as a result of natural causes.”Paedophile Barry Bennell’s victims react after he is found guilty of 43 counts of child sex abuseBennell was jailed in 2018 after after being convicted of 52 child sex offences against 12 victims.The former Crewe Alexandra coach and Manchester City scout was found to have been responsible for “industrial sexual abuse of boys”.It is feared more than 100 boys were attacked by the child sex beast.Bennell abused his position by targeting youngsters who dreamt of becoming professional footballers.The coach would lure the boys to his home with exotic pets including a puma and a monkey, and took them on trips away.He was first jailed in Florida in 1994 for raping a British boy on a football tour in America.The coach’s horrific abuse in the UK was brought to light in a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation.This led to further prison sentences in the UK in 1998, 2015, 2018 and 2020.Bennell’s sickening crimes
      1994
      The coach was jailed for four years for abusing a a 13-year-old boy while on tour with a Staffordshire youth team in Florida.
      1998
      Bennell pleaded guilty to 23 counts of sexual abuse of 15 boys aged between nine and 14. He was jailed for nine years for the crimes, which took place between 1978 and 1992.
      2015
      Bennell admitted sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1980 and is jailed for two years.
      2016
      Brave footballer Andy Woodward revealed he had been groomed and abused by Bennell for four years, starting when he was just 11.
      2018
      The paedo was jailed for 30 years in 2018 after being convicted of 52 child sexual offences against 12 boys between 1979 and 1991.
      It is revealed Bennell may have more than 100 victims after a further 86 complainants come forward.
      2020
      The coach is sentenced to serve an additional four years after pleading guilty to three counts of buggery and six counts of indecent assault against two boys between 1979 and 1988.

      Brave footballer Andy Woodward waived his anonymity to reveal he was a victim – causing more complainants to come forward.After his 2018 conviction, more than 80 other alleged victims came forward to claim they had been abused by Bennell.Sentencing, Judge Clement Goldstone QC branded Bennell the “devil incarnate”.He added: “Your behaviour towards these boys in grooming and seducing them before subjecting them to, in some cases, the most serious, degrading and humiliating abuse was sheer evil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBennell was locked up for a further four years in 2020 after admitting nine sexual offences, including six counts of indecent assault against two boys.During his time in prison, it emerged he was being treated for cancer and had two operations to remove tumours from his tongue.Bennell was first jailed in 1994 in FloridaHe abused his position to target young boysCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bail

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      CONVICTED rapist Dani Alves has left prison today after spending just weeks behind bars.The ex-Barcelona ace paved the way for his release after stumping up the £850,000 bail he needed and should be back in the comfort of his Spanish home in the coming hours. Dani Alves alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola leaving prison todayCredit: RexThe Brazilian defender should be back to his Spanish home later this evening where he can stay until his appeal has been ruled onCredit: ReutersAlves was convicted of rape in February but has only served a month behind barsCredit: APAlves walked free after he struggled to stump up the cash needed to make bail last weekCredit: ReutersAlves was silent as he walked out alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola at around 4:25pm local time.The disgraced ex footballer hopped straight into a car wearing jeans, and a black jacket over a white roll-neck jumper.Despite only spending a few weeks in jail he was seen sporting a moustache as he left.The footballer is also understood to have complied with the other orders of the three judges who said he could leave jail despite his recent rape conviction by handing in his Spanish and Brazilian passports.read more in Dani AlvesHe was told he could leave Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona last Wednesday after winning his bid to appeal his four-and-a-half year jail sentence from the comfort of his own home rather than a cell.But the 40-year-old spent the weekend still locked up as he failed to find the cash to get free from the Spanish jail.Brazilian teammate Neymar’s dad had been expected to help Alves pay the money to secure his freedom, but he issued a statement denying he would hand over any cash after coming under political pressure in his homeland.The Brazilian had made several attempts before his conviction to get bail, but they were turned down partly on the basis he was a flight risk.Most read in FootballAlves is now set to live 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 dad-of-two managed to pay his bail earlier today.A court spokesman said: “We inform you that Daniel Alves’ bail bond has been deposited in the account of the 21st section of the Barcelona Court of Appeal.”Prosecutors have appealed the decision to release him on bail, but the appeal did not affect today’s release.The 23-year-old victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, described Alves’ release as “scandalous”, branding it as “justice for the rich”.International footballer Alves was accused of raping the woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.Alves claimed the sexual encounter was consensual, insisting “he would never hurt anyone”.I’m very surprised and totally outraged because it’s like this is justice for the richEster Garciavictim’s lawyerHe was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars in February.But on March 20, 2024 a court ruled he could appeal his conviction and get out of his hellhole jail while his team, headed by Ines Guardiola, carried out the appeal.His bail was set at his €1million (£850,000) – a figure originally thought to be getting paid for by pal Neymar Jr’s father, say LaVanguardia.Neymar da Silva Santos Sr had been expected to help Alves pay the money to secure his freedom, but he issued a statement denying he would hand over any cash after coming under political pressure in his homeland.He said: “For us, for my family, this matter is over. Full stop.” Neymar’s father didn’t specify how much they gave Alves but added that it’s a “different situation” now because the three judge panel at the Barcelona Provincial Court ruled against him.”With the Spanish court ruling for his conviction, there’s speculation and an attempt to associate my name and my son’s to a matter that is not within our reach any longer,” Neymar’s father said in the family’s statement.He added that he hopes Alves “can find all the answers he looks for in his own family.”Dani Alves guilty of raping woman in nightclub bathroom with ex-Barcelona star jailed for more than 4 yearsAlves’ team requested that the disgraced full back was released as he had already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention following his arrest in January 2023.Garcia blasted the decision to let him walk out as she fumed on RAC1 radio: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”Before adding: “It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”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.He will now return to his multimillion-pound home a short drive from Barcelona.It was built in 2010 when he was still married to his ex-wife Dinorah Santana before he met and married Tenerife-born model Joana Sanz.Sanz revealed last year she had demanded a divorce after Alves admitted for the first time to having sex with the woman he was found guilty of raping, but claimed as he still does that the relations were consensual.Media waiting outside the prison for Alves’ release last weekCredit: EPAAlves left the Brians 2 prison where he was being heldCredit: ReutersDani Alves relationship to Joana Sanz broke down after the shocking rape accusations came outCredit: GettyDani Alves walked away from his Brians 2 prison after meeting the bail conditionsCredit: ReutersWORLDWIDE REACTIONSBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned Alves’ release.He said on Wednesday: “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.I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matterBarcelona residentOne woman said: “I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matter.”If you have money and you are a man, you can do whatever you want and you won’t have to pay.”As a second angered local told AS TV: “Sentences must be served and executed equally. “If you have a sentence then you have to fulfil it not just pay their way out of it because they have a lot of money.”As a man also gave his view saying “evil” things can’t be forgotten about simply because of money.Alves’ mum posted a collection of pictures on Instagram on Wednesday of her son hours after he was allowed to make bail and leave prison.They were captioned: “Victory has come for the honor and glory of the Lord, thank you my God.”What God has joined together no one can separate.”In a separate post she also said: “For all those who only believe in the justice of men @danialves is free. “Free from European justice as I was told. But I believe in divine justice. And I always believed in his innocence.”And Alves’ former wife Joana Sanz deactivated her Instagram account just hours after he was granted release on bail.Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves in court claiming she was with him the night of the accusations.It is currently uncertain what the pair’s status is after Joana accidentally shared a bizarre letter from her rapist ex where he declares his love for her from jail.WHAT HAPPENED IN COURT?In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, he denied the allegations saying the sexual encounter had been completely consensual. The three-day trial saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.His accuser told the prosecution she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but was then forced to stay after wanting to leave.She told the court Alves allegedly slapped and insulted her before forcing her into having sex.Alves did confirm he had sex with the woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.Alves was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars.The court also ordered Alves to pay £130,000 (€150k) in compensation to the victim.The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence to consider the rape provenCourt statementHe also faced a nine-and-a-half-year restraining order from the accuser.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.”Following the sentence, Alves was sent to Brians 2 prison in Barcelona.Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves when she took to the stand.During her testimony on February 6, 2024, Joana claimed they were not legally divorced and that she had been with Alves on the night of the accusation.Joana told the court Alves “smelled of alcohol” and “he bumped into several pieces of furniture and collapsed on the bed” after arriving home from the night out.But she said she didn’t want to talk to him because of “the state he was in”.A disgraced Alves publicly apologised to Joana during an interview from his prison cell in 2023.He told Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.”I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”It comes as former Man City star Robinho, 40, was arrested at his home on Thursday by Federal Police in Sao Paulo.He is now set to finally serve his nine-year jail sentence for a gang-rape committed in Italy, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled.READ MORE SUN STORIESItaly issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star managed to dodge jail for seven years while living in Brazil.The former Santos star says he is innocent.The ex-Barcelona ace is one of the most decorated footballers ever but has spent the last few months embroiled in the shock accusations against himCredit: AFPAlves on the dock during his trial at the start of 2024Credit: EPAThe lawyer of Alves’ victim Ester Garcia labelled the decision to release him ‘scandalous’Credit: The Mega AgencyJoana took to the stand at Alves’ trial and claimed she was with him the night of the accusationsCredit: instagram/joanasanzNeymar da Silva Santos Sr released an 11-word statement after refusing to pay Dani Alves’ bailCredit: AFPAlves’ lawyers Ines Guardiola said her client has already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention after being arrested last JanuaryCredit: ReutersFormer Manchester City forward Robinho is finally set to serve his nine-year prison sentence for a gang-rape in ItalyCredit: AFP More