A brand new chapter of controversy has opened for former Barcelona and Brazil star Dani Alves. The defender has been ordered to pay a multi-million greenback compensation to Mexican membership Pumas UNAM after the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dominated in favor of the Liga MX facet.
The choice stems from a contractual dispute that started in 2023, when Alves confronted authorized points in Spain that prevented him from returning to satisfy his obligations with the Mexican membership.
In an official assertion launched on September 1, 2025, Membership Universidad Nacional (Pumas UNAM) confirmed the end result of the case: “The CAS dominated in favor of the Membership, revoking the choice issued by FIFA’s Dispute Decision Chamber on Might 15, 2024. The brand new ruling not solely confirmed the validity of the Membership’s termination with simply trigger but in addition elevated the compensation quantity owed by Mr. Alves, to cowl the damages induced to the establishment.”
Based on the choice, Dani Alves should pay $5 million to Pumas UNAM. This determine is greater than the preliminary quantity acknowledged by FIFA, strengthening the membership’s authorized victory.
Dani Alves had a quick spell at PUMAS, interrupted by his authorized issues in Brazil.
How the dispute started
The battle dates again to January 2023, when Alves was accused of sexual assault at a nightclub in Barcelona whereas on vacation. He was anticipated to return to Mexico afterward to proceed his spell with Pumas, however his authorized troubles stored him from rejoining the squad.
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Initially, Alves frolicked in jail whereas awaiting trial, earlier than being launched on conditional phrases. In March 2025, he was later acquitted, which inspired him to file a counter-lawsuit in opposition to Pumas for defamation. Nonetheless, by then, Pumas’ declare for breach of contract had already superior to FIFA and finally to CAS.
Quick however controversial spell at Pumas
Alves joined Pumas UNAM in the summertime of 2022 in a transfer that generated worldwide consideration. Nonetheless, his time in Liga MX was temporary. The Brazilian performed just one semester, that includes in 13 matches and recording 5 assists.
Regardless of flashes of high quality on the pitch, his off-field issues rapidly overshadowed his contribution. The connection with the membership broke down totally after his arrest in Spain, leaving Pumas with each reputational and monetary damages.
