Elche's Rafa Mir sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for sexual assault

Women's rights have become an extremely sensitive national issue in Spain, especially in the sporting arena, following scandals that include former football chief Luis Rubiales's unwanted kiss on a national team player and the rape conviction of ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves, which was later overturned.

Mir was arrested in September 2024 after a woman lodged a sexual assault complaint. At the time, his lawyer stated that the intercourse was consensual and that Mir firmly denied the allegations.

According to the ruling, Mir and another footballer met two young women at a nightclub in Valencia and subsequently went to Mir's home to continue the party. At the house, the court stated, Mir sexually assaulted one of the women in the pool and a bathroom.

The court emphasised the victim's consistent and credible testimony, which was supported by witness statements and forensic reports.

The victim was awarded compensation of €64,000. The court added that the decision is not final and may be appealed.

Mir, who currently plays for LaLiga club Elche, was under contract with six-time league champions Valencia at the time of the incident in 2024.

The 28-year-old striker has also featured for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sevilla, as well as Spain's national men's team at the Tokyo Olympics.

Elche did not immediately respond to a request for comment.