Brazilian defender Dani Alves is being held in prison pending an investigation into sexual assault allegations.
The former Barcelona full-back, 39, allegedly assaulted a woman by touching her inappropriately at a Barcelona nightclub in December.
Alves, who denies the charges, was taken into custody and questioned by a judge in Barcelona on Friday.
His club, Pumas UNAM of Mexico, subsequently immediately terminated Alves’ contract.
“The club reaffirms its commitment not to tolerate the actions of any member, whoever he may be, that contradicts the spirit of the club and its values,” said Pumas sporting president Leopoldo Silva.
“We cannot allow one person’s behavior to undermine our work philosophy, which has been exemplified throughout history.”
Alves played 408 times for Barcelona over two spells and was part of Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.
The local Mossos d’Esquadra police confirmed the details to Reuters.
