Hugo Mallo Sentenced for Sexual Assault Charges

The Spanish judiciary has reached a final decision regarding Hugo Mallo, more than five years after the incident that occurred before a match between Espanyol and Celta Vigo in April 2019. The court in Barcelona confirmed the conviction of the former Celta captain for sexual assault, dismissing all his appeals, according to Sport. The judges upheld the testimony of the victim, Carme Coma, an employee of Espanyol who was dressed in the club’s mascot costume at the time. According to the ruling, Mallo inappropriately touched her chest during a handshake. The player’s defense, which claimed the contact was accidental and limited to the waist, was not convincing and was contradicted by evidence and the credibility of the victim’s testimony.

Now 34 years old and currently without a club after his time at Aris Thessaloniki, Mallo must face the final penalties. He is required to pay a fine of approximately €7,000, reflecting 20 months of penalties at €10 per day, along with court costs. Additionally, he must pay €1,000 plus interest for moral damages to the victim. The ruling, made on Monday, gives him 10 days to indicate how he plans to fulfill these obligations or to request an extension. With this irrevocable decision, one of the most notable legal cases involving a professional player in Spain has now concluded.