Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio remains at the centre of a serious legal investigation into the distribution of a pornographic video featuring a minor. The case began in June 2023 and has lasted for several months, with Asencio one of four suspects being investigated. The others include Ferran Ruiz, Juan Rodríguez and Andrés García, all former Real Madrid academy players.

Background of the case
The incident occurred during a holiday in Mogán, Gran Canaria, where several Real Madrid academy players had sex with two women, one of whom was 16 at the time. The minor’s mother reported the incident to the Civil Police in September 2023, alleging that the video had been recorded and distributed without consent.

Charges against Raul Asencio
Asencio is accused of showing the video to a third party without the victim’s consent. Despite efforts by the defense team to have the case dismissed due to lack of evidence, a Spanish court upheld the charges, citing “reasonable indications” of criminal activity. Cellphone records showed that Asencio received the video via WhatsApp, and another suspect testified that Asencio showed them the video.

Legal proceedings
The provincial court of Las Palmas rejected Asencio’s appeal to have the case dismissed, stressing that the absence of the video does not negate its existence. The court also highlighted compromising conversations between the suspects, including derogatory comments about the victim.

Potential penalties
If convicted, Asencio and the other suspects could face between one and five years in prison, depending on their role in recording and distributing the video. The severity of the punishments is influenced by factors such as the age of the victim and whether the distribution was authorised.

Public reaction and impact
The case has caused considerable debate and concern among the public, with many calling for harsher measures against those involved in such serious offences. Real Madrid have said they will take appropriate action once they have learned the details of the incident.

As the investigation continues, Asencio remains a key figure in the case, with his future in football still up in the air. The outcome of this case will not only impact his career, but will also serve as a precedent for how sporting organisations handle similar incidents involving their players.