Brazil’s football officials and coaches have finally broken the silence on the heinous crime committed by footballers. Brazil coach Dorival Junior has shared his and the teams’ reaction to the Robinho and Dani Alves’ rape cases.
Highlights
Former Manchester City and Real Madrid striker Robinho was found guilty of taking part in a gang rape in 2013. Robinson de Souza, also known as Robinho, was convicted by an Italian court in 2017.
The Italian high court, in 2022, upheld the sentence of Robinho for raping an Albanian woman, 23, at a nightclub. The Brazilian court has ordered Robinho to serve a nine-year sentence following an Italian request regarding his case.
In addition, the Barcelona court found another footballer, Dani Alves, guilty of rape about a month ago. While the court was sending footballers to jail in different rape cases, Brazilian football officials maintained silence.
Now, Brazil’s football coach and Brazilian Football Confederation president has broken the silence on Robinho and Dani Alves’ rape cases.
Brazil Coach Dorival Junior
In a statement during Saturday’s international friendly against England, Dorival said, “As coach of the national team, I must speak out. First, I think it is a very delicate situation. I think of the families and especially the victims affected by these cases, which occur every day in our country and around the world.”
The five-time world championship winner added, “If it has been proven that there was any crime, he (Robinho) must be punished even if it hurts my heart to say this about a person with whom I have always had an exceptional relationship.”
While talking about Daniel, he said, “I did not have the opportunity to work with Daniel, but we all know his story within football. It’s a difficult time for all of us to express ourselves in these situations.”
He also shared concerns about the victims and their families and said, “But I care much more for the victims, for the families. I know how painful it must have been for each of them. What I can do is help them with prayers, nothing more.”
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues
CBF president, while discussing the Robinho and Dani Alves rape cases, described them as shameful. He expressed his support for the victims and their families as well. He added, “Machismo reigns; men must fight not only sexual violence but all kinds of violence.”
