A Brazilian police investigation into domestic abuse allegations against Manchester United winger Antony has concluded without any charges being filed. However, the case may still be reviewed by prosecutors.
The 24-year-old, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, is also under investigation by Greater Manchester Police.
The allegations, made by three women in September last year, have not led to Antony’s arrest or charges in either Brazil or the UK, and he continues to deny the accusations.
A statement from the player’s lawyers said: “The defence of player Antony Matheus dos Santos, in light of the news published by the press this Tuesday (20 August 2024), hereby confirms that the police investigation opened at the fifth Women’s Defense Precinct of Sao Paulo, of the Civil Police, was closed without any police indictment.
“The defence has always believed that the investigations, that run under confidentiality, would prove Antony’s innocence.”
Officials have informed BBC News Brasil that while the police investigation into Antony has concluded without an indictment, the case remains open as the prosecutor’s office continues to review it and may initiate another independent investigation.
Antony became Manchester United’s second-most expensive signing when he transferred from Ajax for £82 million in September 2022.
During the September 2023 international break, Brazilian news outlet UOL published allegations made by Antony’s ex-partner, Gabriela Cavallin, which he has denied.
Additional assault allegations later surfaced from Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, who also claimed Antony assaulted them in 2022—allegations he continues to deny.
Greater Manchester Police became involved after one of the incidents was alleged to have occurred at a Manchester hotel.
In response, Manchester United stated they took the allegations “seriously” and granted Antony paid leave on September 10 to address the claims.
Antony resumed training on September 29 after voluntarily speaking with Greater Manchester Police and returned to play in early October.
However, his club manager, Erik ten Hag, noted in January that the situation had impacted Antony’s performance.
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