Italy issues arrest warrant for Robinho, former AC Milan forward, after rape conviction

A Milan court in 2017 found Robinho and five other Brazilians guilty of gang-raping a woman. The conviction was validated by Italy's Supreme Court last month.

Italy has issued an international arrest warrant for Brazilin and former Manchester City, AC Milan striker Robinho after the top court of the country confirmed his conviction for rape, a spokesman for the Justice Ministry said on Wednesday.

Italy's Justice Ministry has asked global agency Interpol to enact the warrant as Brazil does not extradite its nationals, which means Robinho would only face arrest if he travelled abroad. The former Manchester City striker lives in Brazil. Robinho, 38, has always denied the charge.

A Milan court in 2017 found Robinho and five other Brazilians guilty of gang raping a woman after plying her with alcohol in a discotheque. The conviction was confirmed by an appeals court in 2020 and validated by Italy's Supreme Court last month.

He was capped 100 times by Brazil and played for top European clubs Real Madrid and Manchester City as well as AC Milan.