Rafa Mir first-instance conviction, why Sevilla cannot terminate his contract yet | OneFootball

Rafa Mir’s first-instance conviction for sexual assault has thrust the Sevilla striker back into the spotlight, but the club cannot end his contract for now. The verdict is open to appeal, so it is not final.

El Correo de Andalucía reports that appeal rights, part of constitutional judicial protection, carry employment consequences, and Sevilla’s internal protocol only applies once there is a final ruling.

In contractual terms, Sevilla cannot unilaterally terminate the deal solely on the basis of a first-instance judgment, given the presumption of innocence until a conviction becomes firm.

There is a legal route for prosecutors or private accusers to seek immediate custody while appeals are heard, but it is not automatic. A court would need exceptional grounds, weighing risks such as flight, evidence tampering or repeat offending. Specialists cited consider Mir’s employment, professional monitoring and daily club obligations could count in his favour.

Even if provisional custody or provisional execution were ordered, that would not necessarily mean an immediate contract termination. The club’s stance remains to respect labour law and due process until a final decision.

The next step is expected to be an appeal to the Audiencia Provincial. According to the legal timetable described, the second instance is likely to run through the 2026/2027 season. Until the ruling is final, Sevilla are required to maintain the player’s contract.

Source: Superdeporte