Disgraced former Barcelona player Dani Alves to be released from prison on bail for €1m as he awaits final sentencing in sexual assault case

Alves was sentenced to four years and six months in jail in February after being found guilty of sexual assault. The Brazilian has appealed the sentence and asked to be released on bail at a hearing, insisting he will not flee the country, as reported by El Pais. Alves will now be released from prison, pending the final sentencing, and with bail set at €1m (£853,000/$108m) - as per COPE.

He told a bail hearing: "I believe in justice. I’m not going to run away and I will be at the disposal of the court until the end."

Alves's lawyer Ines Guardiola had also argued for the former Barcelona star to be released on bail, pointing out he has a home and deep roots in the city after playing for the club between 2008 and 2016 and then returning for a second stint in 2021. The disgraced star was denied bail before he was sentenced in February after being deemed a "flight risk" but is now set to be released after spending the last 14 months behind bars.

As well as paying the €1m bail, Alves has also had his passports taken away, must make a weekly appearance in court and has been banned from going within 1km of his accuser or communicating with her, according to Mundo Deportivo.