Payet retirement comes amid Brazilian legal case after ex-partner’s allegations | OneFootball

Dimitri Payet, 39, announced his retirement on 22 March but has been ordered by Brazilian authorities to answer allegations from a former partner of physical, psychological and sexual violence while at Vasco de Gama.

According to L'Équipe, the former international could face criminal proceedings in Brazil. He left Vasco by mutual consent last July amid the accusations from Larissa Ferrari, who had a relationship with him.

Ferrari, a lawyer, says their liaison ran from August 2024 to March 2025, became violent and humiliating, and that she miscarried in February 2025. She has set out the claims in a detailed written account.

On 16 April 2025, after a match against Ceara, Payet was questioned by the DEAM of Jacarepagua. He admitted an extramarital relationship, denied violence and said any non conventional sexual practices were initiated by Ferrari.

He told investigators he was unaware of her psychological issues, claimed she wanted to join him in France and sought financial support, and that she threatened to reveal their secrets when he refused.

After an initial shelving, prosecutors opened a case on 4 December last year for psychological violence only, a scope upheld by Rio’s 7th domestic and family violence court on 29 January. Ferrari’s lawyers cite documents, photos, testimony and WhatsApp messages.

On 3 March the defence was ordered to respond in writing. On 26 March a 64-page filing disputed her account, noted no medico-legal exam, argued consent and no moral damage, and sought a summary acquittal. A judge will now decide.

Source: L'Équipe