The Supreme Court of Chile revoked on Monday the preventive detention of former Chilean national footballer Jorge Valdivia, ordering him to serve nighttime house arrest while the investigation into sexual assault allegations made by two women continues.
Valdivia, 41, had been in preventive detention since November 30, 2024.
“The resolution (…) that imposed the precautionary measure of preventive detention is annulled”, says the decision of the Supreme Court, which accepted an appeal presented by the former footballer’s defense.
Former idol of Palmeiras in Brazil and Colo Colo in Chile, Valdivia must comply with nighttime house arrest, be subject to a travel ban, and cannot approach the two women who have accused him.
The player, nicknamed “El Mago”, was arrested for the first time on October 22, 2024, following an accusation of sexual assault. Days later, a second complaint was filed against him.
On November 4, his preventive detention was revoked and replaced by nighttime house arrest. However, on November 30, following a new judicial decision, he was transferred back to prison.
Jorge Valdivia was a key figure in the Chilean “Golden Generation”, contributing to the historic Copa América 2015 victory. He also participated in the 2010 South Africa World Cup and the 2014 Brazil World Cup with La Roja.
Throughout his career, Valdivia played for prestigious clubs such as Al-Ain and Al-Wahda in the United Arab Emirates, Monarcas, Mazatlán, and Necaxa in Mexico, as well as Rayo Vallecano in Spain, among others.