Chilean football star Arturo Vidal, along with unnamed teammates from his first-division club Colo Colo, is under investigation for allegations of sexual assault, according to a statement from the prosecutor’s office in Santiago on Monday. This inquiry was initiated following a complaint that implicated several players, though no arrests have been made at this stage.
Reports from Chilean media indicate that the alleged incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at a nightclub in Santiago, where a group of Colo Colo players were celebrating a birthday. The details surrounding the complaint remain sparse, with the prosecutor’s office not disclosing which of Vidal’s teammates are involved in the investigation.
Vidal, 37, who has had a prolific career with prestigious clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Inter Milan, was reportedly taken to a police station for an identity verification process. He has made a significant impact on the international stage as well, scoring 34 goals in 142 appearances for the Chilean national team.
This investigation comes on the heels of another serious case involving former Chilean international Jorge Valdivia, 41, who was recently placed in preventive custody following accusations of rape. Valdivia has denied the allegations, claiming that he had a consensual relationship with an adult woman. Notably, he was part of the celebrated “Golden Generation” of Chilean football that secured victory in the 2015 Copa America and represented the national team in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
The unfolding situation surrounding Vidal and his Colo Colo teammates reflects ongoing concerns about player conduct and accountability within professional sports, especially given the rising awareness and reporting of sexual misconduct allegations in recent years. The outcome of this investigation will be closely monitored as it could have significant implications for both the players involved and the wider football community in Chile.
