A Brazilian police investigation into allegations of domestic abuse involving Manchester United winger Antony has concluded without any charges. However, prosecutors may still choose to review the claims.
The 24-year-old player, who has denied any wrongdoing, is currently under investigation by Greater Manchester Police. Allegations of domestic abuse were made against Antony by three women in September 2023, but he has not been arrested or charged in either Brazil or the UK.
In a statement released by the player’s legal team, they confirmed, “The defense of player Antony Matheus dos Santos, in light of the news published today (August 20, 2024), hereby confirms that the police investigation opened in the fifth Women’s Defense Precinct of Sao Paulo has been closed without any police indictment. The defense has always believed that the investigations, which run under confidentiality, would prove Antony’s innocence.”
Officials from BBC News Brasil have stated that while the police investigation has been closed without an indictment, the case is not entirely dismissed, as the prosecutor’s office is still reviewing it and can initiate an independent investigation if desired.
Antony became Manchester United’s second-most expensive signing when he joined from Ajax for £82 million in September 2022. During the international break in September 2023, Brazilian news outlet UOL published allegations from his ex-partner Gabriela Cavallin, which he denies. Additional assault allegations were made by Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, both claiming Antony assaulted them in 2022, which he also refutes.
Greater Manchester Police became involved as one of the allegations was reported to have occurred at a hotel in Manchester. In response to the allegations, Manchester United stated they took them “seriously” and granted Antony leave with full pay on September 10 to address the situation. He resumed training on September 29 after voluntarily speaking with Greater Manchester Police and returned to action in early October.
However, club manager Erik ten Hag indicated in January that the ongoing matter had impacted the player’s form.
Credit: BBC Sport
