Sept 9 (Askume) – Valencia said on Monday it has opened disciplinary proceedings against 27-year-old forward Rafa Mir after he was arrested last week by Spain’s Civil Guard on suspicion of sexual assault.
While no details of the disciplinary action have been officially revealed, sources told Askume the forward will be fined and banned from meeting other members of the organization indefinitely.
“Valencia Football Club would like to reiterate its strong condemnation of any form of violence and respects the presumption of innocence proclaimed by our legal system. The court will decide the timing and action to be taken in response to the alleged facts, including while the investigation is ongoing,” Rafael Mir Valencia said in a statement.
“However, as far as the club is concerned… Valencia CF analysed the situation from the perspective of the sanctions regime applicable to professional football and decided to take disciplinary measures.
“In particular, the club will initiate disciplinary proceedings against Rafa Mir as we know that the way he has acted while on holiday will undoubtedly have an impact on his professional performance as a player for the club and, moreover, it will harm his performance. Our fans have faith in all our players.”
Earlier on Monday, Mir categorically denied sexual assault and apologised for “failing to adhere to the strict schedule expected of professional players, even on days off, and not meeting our expectations, particularly after the season began”.
Mir, who also played for Wolves and Sevilla, was arrested last week after a woman made a complaint against him and he gave evidence before a judge on Wednesday.
The judge who ordered his conditional release will now conduct an investigation to determine whether there is enough evidence to prosecute Mill, or whether the case should be dropped.
Mir will have to appear in court regularly and will not be allowed to leave the country.
