Valencia sanctions Rafa Mir, accused of sexual assault

Spanish football club Valencia announced on Monday the opening of disciplinary proceedings against its striker Rafa Mir, accused of a sexual assault committed at the end of August.

“Valencia CF wishes to reiterate its firm condemnation of violence in all its manifestations, and at the same time its respect for the presumption of innocence.”the Liga club wrote in a statement. “Only the courts can decide when and what measures to take regarding the alleged facts for which Rafa Mir is being investigated”continues the current red lantern of the Spanish championship. “However, with regard to the club and within the framework of its competences, Valencia CF has analysed the situation from the point of view of the sanctions regime applicable to the professional football sector and decided to take disciplinary measures”he continues, without giving details on these measures.

“Concretely, the club will open proceedings against Rafa Mir after understanding that his lifestyle, during his rest time, indisputably affected the professional performance expected of a player of the club, and that it also offended the trust that our supporters have in all players.”writes Valence again.

Rafa Mir was arrested on the evening of September 2, according to several Spanish media outlets, following a complaint filed against the player and another person by two women for sexual assault. The events allegedly took place at the 27-year-old player’s home, according to Spanish media. The striker has since been released.

Trained at Valencia CF, played for English clubs, transferred to Sevilla FC in 2021, Rafa Mir returned this summer to his training club as part of a loan with an option to buy.

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