Pumas UNAM has terminated the contract of Dani Alves, effective immediately.
The team’s decision comes after the Brazilian was arrested in Catalunya on suspicion of sexual assault. He is currently being jailed without bail amid the ongoing allegations.
"With the information that occurred today about the legal process that the player Dani Alves is facing, and for which he is detained in Spain, we have determined to communicate the following: the Club Universidad Nacional has made the decision to terminate the employment contract with Dani Alves from this day on," said president of Pumas Leopoldo Silva.
"With this decision, the club reiterates its commitment not to tolerate acts by any member of our institution, whoever they may be, that go against the university spirit and its values. The Universidad Nacional club is an institution that promotes respect, upright behavior, dignity and professionalism on and off the field for our players, as they are a role model in society in Mexico and anywhere in the world,” added head coach Rafael Puente del Rio.
"We cannot allow the conduct of a person to harm the work philosophy that has been an example throughout history in the training and development of young athletes in our country.”
The 39-year-old was taken into police custody on Friday morning after allegedly touching a woman under her clothes without consent. The incident happened at a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, with police subsequently taking a statement from the woman after she informed staff members and filed an official complaint four days later.
Earlier this month, Alves denied the allegation in an interview with Spanish television channel Antena 3, saying: "I was dancing and having a good time without invading anyone's space. I don't know who this lady is... How could I do that to a woman? No."
After attending a court hearing on Friday, it was decided the player be held in custody while investigations continue as police see him as a threat to society.