Robinho Rape Case: Authorities uphold Italian court's conviction, ex-striker to serve rape sentence in Brazil

Former Brazil striker Robinho was handed a big blow on Wednesday (Mar 20) evening after the judges of the Supreme Court of the nation ruled to uphold an Italian court's rape conviction. Robinho, during his time in Italy at AC Milan, was involved in a group sexual assault in 2013. Upon investigation, Robinho was found guilty of charges and was sentenced to nine years in prison. However, with the trial taking place in Italy and Robinho relinquishing his passport to Brazilian authorities, he is yet to serve the sentence.

Robinho’s Rape Case

On Wednesday, judges on Brazil's Superior Court of Justice voted 9-2 to validate the conviction of the former Real Madrid man. One of the reasons stated for conviction was the possible friction that could arise in the diplomatic relations between Brazil and Italy. Brazil doesn't extradite nationals, which led Italy to seek his imprisonment in his home nation.

One of the judges on the panel Francisco Falcão said Robinho should serve his sentence in Brazil. According to him, the former player cannot go unpunished and that diplomatic friction between Brazil and Italy could emerge if the sentence is not served.

«There's no obstacle to validate the execution of his sentence. It was confirmed by a court in Milan, which is the competent authority in this case,» Falcão said. «The conviction is final. The defendant was not put on trial in absence in Italy, he had representation.»

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Robinho offers support

A ruling made by the 15-judge bench in the capital city of Brasilia, Brazil's top court of justice, including whether Robinho is covered by the country's 2017 immigration law. The case was also