Grave Accusations Against Former Bundesliga Star Vidal: 'Serious Sexual Crime'

For years, he shone on the European football stage, playing notably in the Bundesliga for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern Munich. However, the once bright star of Chilean professional Arturo Vidal (37) now dims under the weight of severe allegations.

Investigations for sexual coercion are underway against the 37-year-old, announced by the prosecutor's office in Santiago, Chile, on Monday.

The investigations target not only him but also include teammates from his current Chilean first-division club CSD Colo-Colo.

Police reports indicate that the midfielder was temporarily detained early Monday morning (local time) after visiting a club.

"He was transferred to the police station as part of the initial proceedings and investigative checks," shared Gerardo Aravena, Colonel of the Carabineros de Chile, with the national daily La Tercerea, confirming the suspects are a group of athletes.

"I cannot provide further information as ongoing procedures could hinder the progress of the investigations," Aravena added, revealing no further details but emphasizing: "The complaint involves a serious sexual crime."

Former Bundesliga Player Arturo Vidal Arrested! Investigations for Sexual Coercion

The alleged incident is reported to have occurred in a nightclub in the northwest of the metropolis Santiago, where Vidal and his teammates celebrated both a 3:0 victory against Deportes Iquique and the birthdays of professionals Lucas Cepeda (22) and Vicente Pizarro (21).

Vidal's career spanned from 2007 to 2011 with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. In 2015, he moved from the Italian top club Juventus Turin to Munich, winning three championship titles with FC Bayern. Later, he played for FC Barcelona and Inter Milan before returning to South America in 2022, eventually rejoining his homeland with his current employer.