Dani Alves Remanded In Custody On Sex Assault Allegations

A Spanish court ordered former Barcelona defender Dani Alves to remain in custody without bail after he was arrested on allegations he sexually assaulted a woman.

A source said the judge took the step – which was requested by public prosecutors – because the court considered there was a risk Alves would try to flee.

However, his club, Mexico's Pumas, announced hours later that it had sacked the player because of what it called "just cause."

Alves was taken into custody earlier on Friday after being summoned to a Barcelona police station and was then sent before the judge.

Catalonian police said they received a complaint on 2 January from a woman who accused Alves of sexual assault.

Reports say that Alves is accused of rape and that alleged sexual assault took place at a nightclub overnight 30-31 December.