Former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves has been formally charged with sexual assault of a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December.

Despite the indictment, Alves's lawyer stated that he would not prolong the legal proceedings by appealing against the indictment.

The judge noted evidence of misconduct by the 40-year-old player, who maintains that the sexual encounter was consensual.

Alves was apprehended on January 20 and has been in custody at a prison outside Barcelona without the option of bail. In the event of a conviction, he could potentially face a prison term ranging from four to 15 years.

"Dani Alves is upset with the narrative of the facts, he disagrees with it," Alves' lawyer Cristobal Martell told reporters minutes after his client appeared before the Barcelona court.

"He has also said that he will not appeal due to his desire to expedite the judicial process," Martell added.

The prosecution must now submit formal charges to the court, while the defence will present its allegations in writing. After that, a date for the start of a trial will be set.