Woman Daniel Alvesmodel Joana Sanz will testify in the case against the former FC Barcelona player, which will be heard between February 5 and 7. The charges concern sexual assault against a 23-year-old woman at Sutton nightclub in the Catalan capital, with events spanning from the night of December 30, 2022 to the early hours of December 31, 2022. The case is being managed by the Barcelona court system, and the defendant’s romantic partner has reportedly visited him in prison on multiple occasions. Although Alves has signaled his intention to divorce and has consulted with a lawyer about the process, procedural steps have not yet begun.
The defense has urged the defendant to testify as a witness during the hearing. He is expected to be one of about thirty witnesses who will be required to present statements over the three days of the trial. Prosecutors have requested a nine-year prison sentence for the alleged sexual assault and rape through penetration. A separate, independent investigation conducted on behalf of the victim is seeking the maximum penalty for the crime, which is twelve years. Alves’s attorney, Inés Guardiola, maintains his client’s innocence and has indicated that acquittal is possible with appropriate arguments, though sources indicate a defense strategy that includes several potential avenues for dismissal.
The first day of the trial, February 5, will focus on preliminary matters. It is anticipated that the defense will raise numerous issues, and it will be determined that day whether Alves will testify then or on the final day, a common practice in recent hearings. The lineup of witnesses is scheduled to include the victim, her cousin, a friend who accompanied her to the nightclub, and the investigating police officer. The victim’s mother is also referenced in the proceedings.
at the disco
The events trace back to December 30 of the prior year when Alves traveled to Barcelona. He contacted a friend, Bruno, and the two planned to dine together. After dinner they went to Sutton nightclub on Tuset Street, choosing the Moët booth, which guests can access via a camera-free suite featuring a large sofa, television, and minibar. A small bathroom is located in the connecting corridor between rooms.
The victim arrived at the nightclub around two in the morning with her cousin and a friend. They proceeded to the main room and then entered the reserved area. Alves, a regular patron, invited the group to join him for a drink, though they initially declined. The victim has stated she did not know who the defendant was at the time.
Protocol activation
The group danced and talked for several minutes, after which Alves drew closer and circled the victim with his attention. He allegedly grabbed her hand and touched her inappropriately on more than one occasion, prompting her to push his hand away. Not long after, Alves moved toward the doorway leading to the connecting corridor and entered the space beyond.
From there he signaled for the young woman to join him. Believing it was another VIP area, she followed, only to be taken into a small bathroom where the door was closed. In that confined space she asked to be removed, according to the recounting of the alleged victim. The man is accused of grabbing her at the waist, lifting her onto him, and forcing an interaction she resisted by slapping him. After resisting, the athlete allegedly lifted her off the floor, forced an assault in a position over the toilet, and continued contact against her will. Following the report to nightclub staff, the establishment activated its protocol for handling sexual assaults.