Rafa Mir from Sevilla to Greece

Sevilla striker Rafa Mir has been loaned to Greek club Aris Thessaloniki, the Andalusian club announced on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. This move comes just a month and a half after the 29-year-old Spaniard was provisionally sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for rape, assault, and causing bodily harm.

Sevilla FC confirmed in a statement that the loan agreement includes an option to buy the player. Mir is currently free pending his appeal against the ruling from the court in Valencia, and while the legal process continues, he will continue his career in the Greek league.

What happened in Bétera?

The events in question took place on September 1, 2024, at the player's home in the Valencian town of Bétera. According to sources, Mir and a friend met two women at a nightclub, after which they went to his home. The very next day, September 2, 2024, he was arrested after the women filed a complaint.

Mir spent two nights in police custody before being released. He admitted to having sexual relations but claimed they were consensual. His then-club, Valencia, responded with a two-match suspension and a fine, but did not terminate his contract.

Career in the shadow of the verdict

Rafa Mir is a product of Valencia's youth academy and has played for English club Wolverhampton Wanderers, from which he was loaned out to several clubs. He later signed for Sevilla, with whom he appeared in European competitions, and before the loan to Greece, he also had a stint at Elche. He has also represented Spain at the youth international level.

Sevilla announced the loan on their Twitter profile:

"An agreement has been reached with Aris FC for the loan of Rafa Mir."

The ruling from June 2026 is not yet final, and the player's departure to Greece has sparked strong reactions in Spanish public opinion, given the severity of the charges for which he was convicted.