Four Argentine division players arrested over rape of sports journalist

Four football players from Argentine first division team Velez Sarsfield were provisionally held on Monday as part of an inquiry into allegations that they raped a lady in a hotel room earlier this month, according to the plaintiff’s lawyer.

The four Uruguayans, Sebastian Sosa, Paraguayan Jose Florentin, and Argentines Braian Cufre and Abiel Osorio—were detained for 48 hours before a judge decided whether they should continue in custody until the investigation.

Eugenia Maria Posse, the prosecutor, requested the detention order after conducting a three-hour interview with the accused victim.

Patricia Neme, the accuser’s lawyer, stated on television that there were “sufficient elements to request pre-trial detention” as the four had “sufficient means” to flee if they wanted to avoid trial.

The 24-year-old sports journalist alleged she was invited by Sosa to a hotel room in Tucuman, Argentina, where the other three were also waiting.

She claimed she became dizzy after a few drinks, lay down on a bed, and was subsequently raped.

Velez Sarsfield, based in Buenos Aires, announced in a statement on Monday that it had suspended the four players and requested an internal inquiry.

“The Club reiterates its deepest concern about the reported events, which are clearly contrary to the principles and values of our institution,” it said.

On Wednesday, a court will determine whether to extend the players’ imprisonment.