Spanish striker Rafa Mir sentenced to eight and a half years in prison over sexual assault

Sevilla striker Rafa Mir has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault and causing bodily harm by the Valencia High Court.

The ruling was announced on Monday, with the court confirming that the 28-year-old footballer was convicted on charges related to an incident that took place in September 2024. The verdict is not yet final and can still be appealed.

Court Delivers Verdict

According to the court’s decision, Mir was found guilty of sexual assault and bodily harm and was handed an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

A second defendant, identified as a friend of the player, was also convicted. He received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for sexual assault and defamation, in addition to a financial penalty for causing bodily harm.

The court also ordered Mir to pay the victim compensation of €64,000 ($74,000).

Incident Dates Back to 2024

The case stems from events that allegedly occurred on September 1, 2024, at Mir’s home in Bétera, Valencia. According to court findings, the incident took place after Mir and his friend met two women at a nightclub earlier that evening.

Mir maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and pleaded not guilty during the trial, which was held on May 28.

Career Impact

Mir began his football career in Valencia’s youth academy before joining English club Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018. He later moved to Sevilla in 2021 and returned to Valencia on loan in July 2024.

Following his arrest on September 2, 2024, Valencia suspended the striker for two matches. During the 2025–26 season, he spent time on loan at Elche.

The forward has also represented Spain at youth international level during his career.

Appeal Still Possible

While the court has delivered its verdict, the ruling remains subject to appeal. Further legal proceedings could therefore follow before the case reaches its final conclusion.