Robinho denies rape accusations

Cairo – 25 November: The Brazilian player Robson de Souza, known as Robinho, said that he will take "all the legal provisions" after being sentenced to nine years prison by the Italian justice system for allegedly participating in a gang rape in 2013, accusations which he has categorically denied.

"All the legal provisions are already being taken about this decision in the first instance," the 33-year-old said in a statement.

The former Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan player, said he had already "defended himself against the accusations … a few years ago," claiming that he had "not [had] any participation" in the incident.

Judge Mariolina Panasiti, of the ninth penal section of the Court of Milan, condemned the player for the rape of an Albanian woman which allegedly occurred on January 22, 2013 and, according to Italian media, involved another five people.