AGS NEWS – Former Brazilian footballer Robinho, also known as Robson De Souza, is slated to serve a nine-year jail term in Brazil due to his involvement in a gang rape case from 2013.

The verdict was issued by Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (BSCJ) after Robinho was convicted by an Italian court in 2017.

Robinho, 40, was among six men found guilty of sexually assaulting a 22-year-old Albanian woman at a nightclub in Italy.

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Despite maintaining his innocence and residing in Brazil for the past seven years, Robinho’s final appeal was rejected by the Italian Supreme Court in January 2022.

The decision to imprison Robinho in Brazil follows a request for his extradition made by Italian authorities in 2022.

His legal team plans to challenge the ruling in both the BSCJ and the Federal Supreme Court.

Robinho, who played for clubs like AC Milan and Real Madrid, is expected to be arrested in Santos, where he currently lives.

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However, Brazil’s constitutional policy typically prevents the extradition of its citizens, potentially shielding Robinho from arrest if he remains in the country.

During his appeal process, Robinho admitted to having “contact” with the woman but insisted that it was consensual.

Nevertheless, intercepted phone conversations between him and others involved played a significant role in his conviction.

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Despite his successful football career, Robinho’s return to Santos in 2020 was marred by controversy.

The club lost a major sponsor following public outcry over his signing, leading to the termination of his contract.

Robinho’s downfall contrasts sharply with his early promise as a player in the Santos academy and his subsequent achievements at top clubs like Real Madrid.

He represented the Brazil national team in over 100 matches before facing legal troubles.