The former Barcelona full-back, 39, allegedly assaulted a woman by inappropriately touching her in a nightclub in Barcelona in December.

Alves, who has denied the allegation, was taken into custody and questioned by a judge in Barcelona on Friday.

His club, Mexican side Pumas UNAM, subsequently terminated Alves' contract with immediate effect.

"The club reiterates its commitment to not tolerate acts by any member, whoever they may be, that go against the club's spirit and its values," said Pumas sporting president Leopoldo Silva.

"We cannot allow the conduct of one person to damage our work philosophy, which has been an example throughout history."

Alves played 408 times for Barcelona across two spells and was also part of Brazil's 2022 World Cup squad.

Local police Mossos d'Esquadra confirmed the details to Reuters and AFP news agencies.