Valencia striker Rafa Mir arrested over alleged sexual assault

Mir to appear before a judge as authorities investigate sexual assault claims involving two women

Valencia footballer Rafa Mir has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. The Sevilla loanee missed training on Tuesday after being detained as part of an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving two women at his private residence. Another man, also under arrest, is believed to have participated in the incident. The victims, aged 25 and 21, reportedly required medical attention following the incident, as confirmed by Cadena SER and MARCA.

Mir is said to have spent the night in custody at the Valencia Command on Calamocha Street, where he is being questioned. He is expected to appear before a judge on Wednesday to determine his legal situation, according to government sources.

The incident is believed to have occurred during a private party organised by the footballer at his home in a town near Valencia in the early hours of Saturday to Sunday. Neighbours reportedly alerted the authorities, and the victims later filed complaints at the Civil Guard barracks in Massamagrell. Investigators have also interviewed a 21-year-old friend of one of the victims, who is thought to have witnessed the event. The judicial investigation is currently under secrecy.

On Tuesday, Mir was at the Civil Guard headquarters giving his statement before being transferred to court. Valencia CF has refrained from commenting on the case, as it remains under investigation, but the club issued an official statement acknowledging the player's arrest and promising full cooperation with legal proceedings.

Rafa Mir joined Valencia this summer after two previous unsuccessful attempts by the club to sign him. Last summer, Sevilla altered the terms of a loan agreement when Valencia was prepared to cover the costs. During the winter transfer window, negotiations between the two clubs almost broke down again over contract issues, despite a verbal agreement.

This summer, Valencia pursued the striker again, largely due to manager Ruben Baraja’s interest, having worked with Mir in the youth team. They secured a loan deal with an option to buy for €5 million.

Mir has featured in three of Valencia's four league matches this season, though he has not completed a full 90 minutes. In the most recent game against Villarreal, he played 21 minutes as a second-half substitute.