FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet faces trial after being accused of “sexual, physical and psychological violence” against his ex-girlfriend.
Brazilian prosecutors have charged the ex-France midfielder, 38, with abusing 28-year-old lawyer Larissa Ferrari.
Dimitri Payet has seen the case against him re-opened[/caption]
Payet hit 15 goals in 60 Hammers appearances and was their 2015-16 player of the season.
The married dad-of-four joined Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in 2023 and went on to form a relationship with local woman Larissa.
Rio de Janeiro prosecutors allege he took advantage of her vulnerability to start the relationship, then caused her “psychological and emotional harm” including being violent.
Police initially closed their inquiry but prosecutors reopened the case after an appeal by Larissa and have now pressed charges.
Payet has been accused of causing her emotional damage through “hurtful and degrading expressions, humiliation, manipulation and mockery”.
Larissa made allegations to The Sun on Sunday in April that Payet had forced her to film degrading films, drink her own urine and water from the toilet, and lick the floor.
She also claimed she had to take part in a fake wedding and wear a ring to “prove her love”.
Payet is said to have told Brazilian police everything between him and Larissa was consensual.
The Brazilian lawyer and the married footballer had a relationship[/caption]
Documents from the country’s Public Ministry say the couple met online and shared a mutual interest in sexual relations involving “acts of daringness and violence”.
The official report states Larissa suffered depression as a result of Payet’s behaviour towards her.
Her lawyers said: “This measure shows that the authorities are aware of the seriousness of the facts.
“They are minded to make sure that behaviours that harm women’s dignity do not go unpunished – no matter how high-profile the suspect may be.”
The footballer, whose Vasco contract was torn up earlier this month, could have to pay a huge fine and the costs of Larissa’s medical treatment if the accusations against him are found to be true.
Payet’s lawyer Sheila Lustoza said: “I’m surprised the case has been reopened, as it is based on information that was already out there.
“But I am confident that the legal system will recognise my client’s innocence.”
Payet left West Ham for Marseille in a £25million deal in January 2017 after falling out of favour with Hammers fans.
The set-piece expert, who has 38 caps, pushed for a transfer after claiming he was homesick.
