Brazil’s soccer head says rape convictions for Alves and Robinho end ‘nefarious chapter’
Brazil's soccer federation president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, addressed the recent rape convictions of former footballers Dani Alves and Robinho, calling it the end of a dark chapter in the country's sports history. He expressed regret for the victims of these crimes and emphasized the responsibility of athletes to uphold the values of the nation they represent.
Robinho, facing a nine-year jail sentence in Brazil, was recently jailed after an Italian court's decision.
Meanwhile, Dani Alves, also convicted of rape, was granted bail pending his appeal. Rodrigues stressed the importance of athletes being held accountable for their actions, regardless of their achievements on the field.
However, comments from Brazil's new coach, Dorival Júnior, describing Robinho as a "fantastic person" drew criticism from players of the women's national team, highlighting the ongoing social discourse around these cases and the treatment of women in sports.
The head of Brazil's delegation in London, Leila Pereira, condemned the silence of footballers regarding these cases, calling it a disregard for women's rights. Rodrigues also mentioned Brazil's bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup as part of efforts to promote women's participation in soccer and combat sexism.
Dani Alves remains in prison in Spain, with the state prosecutor's office seeking to revoke his release on bail. Meanwhile, Robinho has begun serving his sentence in Brazil and may be eligible for a more flexible jail regime based on good behavior.
These developments reflect broader conversations about accountability, gender equality, and the role of sports institutions in addressing social issues.
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