Story By: Alex Cope, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News & Sport Ltd

Picture Credit: Golders

A professional footballer has been charged with sexually abusing his three-year-old niece.

Argentine striker Ignacio Iraneta, who plays for second-flight side Independiente Rivadavia in his home province of Mendoza, reportedly appeared in front of the Prosecutor for Crimes Against Sexual Intergity’s office and was notified of the charge against him for “gravely offensive sexual abuse”.

Local media report he has been charged with sexually abusing his three-year-old niece.

Iraneta, 31, reportedly denied the charges and will remain in freedom after paying a 500,000-ARS (10,150-GBP) bond.

The striker was reported to the authorities on 2nd January by the mother of his niece who told investigators he had abused the girl.

After the hearing Iraneta has been prevented from leaving the province of Mendoza or Argentina until the investigation has ended.

Local media report that Iraneta will undergo criminal psychiatric tests in February with the victim to give testimony using a Gesell Chamber. A Gesell Chamber is a room which allows the victims of sexual abuse to be observed without knowing they are being watched.

Iraneta has spent his entire career playing in his home province of Mendoza and signed for current club Independiente Rivadavia in 2016.