New Delhi: Chilean authorities are investigating footballer Arturo Vidal and other Colo Colo players following allegations of sexual assault stemming from a recent gathering. According to Chilean media and statements from the Santiago prosecutor’s office, the incident allegedly took place at a nightclub in the upscale Vitacura neighbourhood.
A woman claimed that her sister was drugged and assaulted by members of the team during a birthday celebration for one of the players. No arrests have been made so far, but multiple players are reportedly under investigation.
Police chief Gerardo Aravena confirmed that Vidal, 37, was brought to a police station for a standard identity check but was not detained. Aravena stated that the questioning was a routine part of the investigation process, which also included similar identity checks for other players.
Arturo Vidal and several Colo-Colo teammates have been accused of drugging a woman and sexually abusing her.
According to police colonel Gerardo Aravena, Vidal was the only one taken to the police station who was later released. pic.twitter.com/hQdLL6dlPA
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) November 4, 2024
The incident reportedly occurred after Colo Colo’s 3-0 victory in the local tournament, where they currently lead with 66 points, closely followed by Universidad de Chile with 64.
Local news sources say the allegations emerged after a complaint from a woman who attended the gathering, accusing several Colo Colo players of involvement. As the investigation unfolds, the prosecutor’s office has not publicly named any players besides Vidal. Vidal, known for his past tenures at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan, has not commented on the accusations.
This case adds to a recent series of legal troubles involving high-profile Chilean footballers. Former national team player Jorge Valdivia, 41, was detained last month in connection with a rape investigation. Valdivia, who retired in 2022, has denied any wrongdoing, asserting his relationship with the woman involved was consensual.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the prosecutor’s office has promised to release further details as they develop. For now, Vidal and his teammates await the outcome of a potentially damaging case that has put Chilean football in the spotlight once again.
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