Former Premier League striker Rafa Mir arrested for alleged sexual assault in Valencia

Rafa Mir, the 27-year-old Spanish striker who played for Premier League Club Wolverhampton Wanderers between 2018 and 2021, has been arrested in Valencia on suspicion of sexual assault. Currently on loan from Sevilla to LaLiga side Valencia, Mir was taken into custody last night and did not attend training this morning.

The Civil Guard confirmed the arrest of a LaLiga footballer in connection with an alleged sexual assault but has not provided further details about the nature of the accusation. Initial reports suggested that another individual might also be involved, but the authorities clarified that only one person is currently in custody, though this could change as the investigation progresses.

Police investigation and legal implications

A spokesperson for the Civil Guard in Valencia stated, “We can confirm a LaLiga footballer has been arrested over an alleged sexual assault. No one else has been arrested at the moment, but that may change later.” Mir is being held at a local police station as the investigation continues. According to a source close to the case, under Spanish law, the police have up to 72 hours to either release him or present him to a judge, who will then decide whether to grant bail or remand him in custody.

Although details remain scarce, Spanish radio station Ser reported that Mir and another man were initially detained following allegations of a sexual crime involving two women, both around 25 years old, at the footballer’s residence. However, the authorities have not confirmed these details, and the investigation is ongoing.

Mir, whose full name is Rafael Mir Vicente, has had a notable football career, including winning the 2019 European Championship with Spain’s Under-21 team and earning a silver medal at the 2020 Olympics. He joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2018, where he played under former Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo. During his time with Wolves, Mir had loan spells at Las Palmas and Nottingham Forest before moving permanently to Sevilla in August 2021. This past July, he returned to Valencia on loan, the club where he began his youth career.

The situation is developing, and more information is expected as the legal process unfolds.

SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, will take place in Budapest from 2-4 September 2024.