Sevilla striker sentenced to eight and a half years in prison

Spanish footballer Rafa Mir has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for sexual and physical assault, the Valencia Provincial Court ruled after a trial held on May 28, Spanish newspaper Marca reported today.

Mir, who was a Valencia player on loan from Sevilla at the time of the incident, was found guilty of sexual assault and causing bodily harm to a young woman. The prosecution had sought a sentence of 10 and a half years in prison, while the court ultimately imposed a sentence of a total of 8,5 years - seven years for sexual assault and 18 months for bodily harm.

In addition to the prison sentence, the footballer was also banned from playing in La Liga for two years, in accordance with the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary rules relating to serious breaches of sporting reputation and dignity.

"I disagree with the verdict and we will appeal. I still believe in the justice system," Mir said on social media after the verdict was announced.

The striker was on loan at Elche this season, while his contract with Sevilla runs until June 2027.