Brazil police close investigation into Man Utd’s Antony

Brazilian police have concluded their investigation into domestic abuse allegations against Manchester United winger Antony without bringing any charges. However, the case remains under review by the prosecutor’s office, which could lead to further action.

Antony, 24, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, is still under investigation by Greater Manchester Police in the UK. The allegations, made by three women in September last year, have not resulted in his arrest or charges in either Brazil or the UK.

A statement from Antony’s legal team confirmed the closure of the investigation by the Civil Police’s Women’s Defense Precinct in São Paulo without any indictment. “The defence has always believed that the investigations, that run under confidentiality, would prove Antony’s innocence,” the statement said.

Despite the conclusion of the police inquiry, the case is not entirely closed, as the prosecutor’s office continues to review the findings and may initiate an independent investigation if deemed necessary.

Antony, who became Manchester United’s second-most expensive signing with his £82 million transfer from Ajax in September 2022, faced allegations from his ex-partner Gabriela Cavallin, and later from Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, who claimed he assaulted them in 2022. He has denied all the accusations.

The situation also drew the attention of Greater Manchester Police, as one of the alleged incidents reportedly took place at a Manchester hotel. Manchester United granted Antony a leave of absence with full pay in September 2023 to address the allegations. He returned to training at the end of that month after voluntarily speaking with the police and resumed playing in early October.

Antony’s club manager, Erik ten Hag, acknowledged in January that the ongoing matter had impacted the player’s performance on the field.