Former football star Robson de Souza known as Robinho must serve his nine-year prison sentence for rape in Brazil, a Brazilian high court ruled.
An Italian court sentenced the former AC Milan winger to nine years in prison in 2017 for his involvement in the 2013 gang rape of a woman in a Milan nightclub.
Robinho refuted the allegations. He and Brazil won the Copa America in 2007.
Because Brazil does not extradite its citizens, Italy had pushed to have Robinho’s sentence ratified in Brazil so that he could complete his sentence at home.
Recently, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed support for the former football player who is currently serving his sentence in Brazil.
In an interview with Brazilian television, he declared that rape is a “unforgivable crime” and that Robinho should serve out his sentence because he had already been found guilty in Italy.
Robinho’s attorneys reportedly declared they would file an appeal of the high court’s decision.
Robinho intended to return to his home club Santos in October 2020, but the contract was swiftly terminated due to pressure from sponsors and supporters because of his conviction.
He then retired.
