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Alexi Stival (59), better known as Cuca, is a big name in Brazilian football. His sporting resume is full of successes: two-time Brazilian champion, cup winner and winner of the Copa Libertadores – the South American Champions League – and well-known coach of various Brazilian top clubs.
Since Friday, Cuca has been the coach of Corinthians São Paulo, one of Brazil’s most successful clubs. Another professional success for the former player. What was hidden according to “20 minutes”: The former footballer has a dark past – in Switzerland!
In 1987 – Cuca was then 24 years old – he was with his club Gremio Porto Alegre in Bern for the Philips Cup. But instead of a trophy, participation in the tournament ended for Cuca and three other Brazilian players in 30 days of detention.
Blick reported on the incident at the time: “Four Brazilian football stars arrested in Bern – student raped?” In the August 1, 1987 issue, the then 13-year-old victim spoke to the newspaper about the incident.
In fact, she just wanted to get autographs and souvenirs at the team hotel in Bern. But things turned out differently: the four football players took her to a hotel room – and said she had been raped there. The players would have literally thrown themselves on them. “Three held me while the fourth raped me,” Sandra* said in an interview with Blick. Then a second Brazilian did the same.
The following day, the footballers were arrested as part of a large-scale operation and released on bail at the end of August 1987. In 1989, the four men, including Cuca, were convicted by a Swiss court of fornication with a child and coercion. The sentence: a suspended prison sentence of 15 months.
Fan protests in Brazil without result
After it was announced that Cuca would become the new coach of the Brazilian top club, there were fierce protests from fans. On Friday, Cuca said of the protests: “This is a sensitive issue, a personal issue of mine who is about 30 years old.” He denies raping the girl. “I have done nothing and I am completely innocent.”
Corinthians chairman Duilio Monteiro Alves (50) also seems to see no problem and remains loyal to the new coach despite criticism. “We did extensive research and consulted with the legal and compliance departments before I came to an agreement with the coach,” said Alves. The board had come to the conclusion that the victim did not recognize Cuca as her attacker at the time. (chs)
* Name known
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
