A court in the eastern Valencia region decided on Monday to sentence Spanish football player Rafa Mir to eight and a half years in jail for sexual assault and assault causing injury.
After scandals such as former football boss Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kissing of a national team member and former Barcelona star Dani Alves’ rape conviction, which was later overturned, women’s rights have become a highly sensitive national topic in Spain, particularly in the sports industry.
In September 2024, Mir was taken into custody following a sexual assault complaint from a lady. Mir vehemently refuted the allegations, according to his attorney at the time, and the sexual activity was consensual.
The verdict states that Mir and another football player proceeded to Mir’s house to continue the celebration after meeting two young women at a Valencia nightclub. According to the court, Mir sexually attacked one of the women at the house in the toilet and the pool.
The court emphasized the victim’s reliable and consistent testimony, which was backed up by forensic reports and witness statements.
The victim received €64,000 in compensation. The court further said that the ruling is subject to appeal and is not final.
At the time of the 2024 incident, Mir, who presently plays for La Liga team Elche, had a contract with six-time league winners Valencia.
In addition to playing for Sevilla and Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 28-year-old attacker represented Spain’s men’s national team in the Tokyo Olympics.
A request for comment was not immediately answered by Elche.
About The Author
