Valencia CF announced on Monday, September 9, that they have initiated disciplinary actions against forward, Rafa Mir, following his arrest by the Spanish Guardia Civil for alleged sexual assault.
The 27-year-old forward was notably absent from the team’s training session on Monday afternoon.
Although specific details of the disciplinary measures have not been officially disclosed, it is reported that Mir will face a fine and be temporarily suspended from the squad.
Valencia's statement underscored their commitment to zero tolerance for any form of violence.
"Valencia CF wishes to reiterate its firm condemnation of any type of violence in any of its manifestations, whilst respecting the presumption of innocence that our legal system promulgates. It is up to the courts to determine the timing and the actions regarding the alleged facts for which Rafa Mir is being investigated.
"However, as far as the Club is concerned... Valencia CF has analyzed the situation from the point of view of the sanctioning regime applicable to professional football and has decided to take disciplinary measures," the club said.
The club further added: "Specifically, the Club will proceed to open disciplinary proceedings against Rafa Mir as it understands that his way of proceeding, in his time off, indisputably affects the professional performance expected of him as a player of this Club; damaging, furthermore, the confidence that our fans have in all its players."
Earlier, Niger Delta Connect News reported that Rafa Mir had firmly denied involvement in the sexual assault allegations but later apologized for failing to adhere to the high standards expected of a professional, even on his day off, particularly after a disappointing start to the season.
The 27-year-old player, who has previously played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sevilla, was arrested last week following a woman's complaint.
He appeared before a judge on Wednesday to provide his testimony.
The judge who ordered his conditional release will be leading an investigation to establish whether there is enough evidence for Mir to stand trial or if the case should be dropped.
The 27-year-old will have to appear in court regularly and is not allowed to leave the country.
