Buenos Aires, Argentina – Four professional footballers with the Argentine club Vélez Sarsfield have been provisionally detained as they face investigation for the alleged rape of a female sports journalist. Sebastian Sosa (37), Jose Florentin (27), Braian Cufre (27), and Abiel Osorio (21) were ordered to remain in custody for 48 hours as a judge determines whether further pre-trial detention is necessary.
The incident allegedly took place in a Tucuman hotel room following Vélez Sarsfield’s away match against Atletico Tucuman on March 2nd. The plaintiff, a 24-year-old sports journalist, claims she was invited to Sosa’s room where the other three players were waiting. She states she felt dizzy after consuming drinks, and then was assaulted after lying down on the bed.
Charges include “sexual assault with aggravated intercourse by two or more persons.” The woman’s defense attorney, Patricia Neme, emphasized that the footballers possessed the means to flee the country, making their pre-trial detention necessary.
Sosa, the veteran goalkeeper, has publicly denied the allegations via an Instagram post, stating, “I repudiate violence of any kind. I respect the physical and sexual integrity of every person. I trust in the swift action of justice.” His teammates have yet to comment.
In response to the allegations, Vélez Sarsfield has suspended the four players’ contracts and launched an internal investigation. The club released a statement expressing “deepest concern about the reported events,” which contradict the institution’s values.
Background
Velez Sarsfield is a highly successful Argentine football club boasting 10 league titles. The team notably won the Copa Libertadores in 1994 and defeated AC Milan in the Intercontinental Cup.
Updates to Follow
This case is ongoing, and further developments are expected as the investigation continues and the judge weighs the players’ pre-trial detention.
Important Note: The accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
