William Silva de Carvalho, a Portuguese footballer who plays for Real Betis Balompié, remained free after appearing this Tuesday at Seville Instruction Court No. 9. He was under investigation for an alleged sexual assault, with no precautionary measures applied at that time. The preliminary hearing remains open, according to the information reported by local authorities.
Betis’ defense, speaking to Correo de Andalucía, part of the Prensa Ibérica group, confirmed that the judge chose not to withdraw the player’s passport or revoke bail. This decision means Carvalho can continue his regular activities while the case advances.
According to Carvalho’s attorney, the complainant filed the lawsuit fifteen days after the incidents and has already provided two statements in court. The proceedings began after a woman reported an alleged sexual assault involving the player, who the defense maintains had consensual interactions with the complainant on two occasions.
The midfielder arrived at the courthouse around 09:20, accompanied by his legal representative. Access to the interior of the Prado building was through the security facilities for detainees rather than the main entrance, reflecting the ongoing legal process and the necessary security protocols surrounding it.
The summons of the Betis midfielder drew intense attention from the media, underscoring the high-profile nature of the case and the scrutiny that accompanies professional athletes facing serious allegations. Throughout the day, journalists tracked every development, signaling the public interest in how the judicial process unfolds for individuals in the sports world.
On the day of the hearing, Carvalho proceeded to join his private vehicle and prepared to participate in Betis’ training sessions under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini. The status of his passport remained unchanged, allowing travel within allowed limits. As the winter transfer window looms, speculation circulated about potential moves to other leagues, including Turkey, where clubs such as Beşiktaş have been linked with the player. Any potential transfer would depend on ongoing negotiations and the evolving legal context, and would not be resolved until the judicial process progresses and football authorities assess the situation.
Despite the ongoing case, the club has maintained a focus on its competitive calendar, and supporters continue to monitor official updates from the team and league authorities. Legal experts emphasize that all parties are entitled to due process, with decisions on travel restrictions, bail terms, and the overall case timeline determined by the presiding court based on evidence, testimony, and statutory guidelines. The situation highlights the careful balance between a player’s professional commitments and legal obligations when faced with serious allegations.
As the proceedings move forward, authorities are expected to issue further statements as new information becomes available. The case illustrates how high-profile football figures can navigate the intersection of sport, law, and public interest, while illustrating the importance of preserving the integrity of the judicial process for all involved parties. The outcome will hinge on the examination of evidence, the credibility of testimonies, and the legal standards applied by the court in Seville.