Robinho was found guilty, along with five others, of sexually assaulting a woman in a Milan nightclub in 2013.
The former Brazil international was sentenced to nine years in prison and has lost two appeals to overturn his conviction, but continues to deny any wrongdoing.
However, until now it was always a probability that the 40-year-old, who also played for Real Madrid and AC Milan, would not serve his sentence as he is based in Brazil and the country does not extradite its citizens.
But on Wednesday, judges on Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice voted 9-2 to validate the conviction and he will now serve his sentence in his homeland.
The first judge to vote, Francisco Falco, said: ‘There’s no obstacle to validate the execution of his sentence. It was confirmed by a court in Milan, which is the competent authority in this case.
‘The conviction is final. The defendant was not put on trial in absence in Italy, he had representation.’
Robinho can appeal the decision to Brazil’s Supreme Court and his lawyers have suggested that he will seek to do so.
Robinho became the most expensive player in British football when he moved from Real to newly-rich City for £32.5million in 2008.
He struggled in the Premier League and was sold to Milan two years later, and was playing for the Serie A giants when the offence took place.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Man Utd and Arsenal among clubs to enquire into Real Madrid star Rodrygo ahead of Kylian Mbappe arrival
MORE : Ex-Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte accuses Pep Guardiola of keeping unhappy players
MORE : Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes rates Pep Guardiola as the ‘best coach in the world’ and hails ‘passionate’ Jurgen Klopp
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
