Spanish court rules no criminal liability in Diogo Jota fatal crash investigation

It has now been ruled by a Spanish court that no criminal responsibility exists in relation to the tragic crash -Credit:Emilio Fraile/PA Wire/Getty Images

Sources from the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Castilla y Leon told The Athletic: "The Court of First Instance in Puebla de Sanabria dismissed the case last November after assessing the documentary evidence in the file and, in particular, the expert reports issued by the Civil Guard's Traffic Unit.

"The dismissal of the criminal proceedings does not preclude the possibility of the affected parties bringing a civil action to claim whatever they deem appropriate."

Jota had been making his way back to England ahead of pre-season training by road, having been advised against flying following a minor medical procedure. The 28-year-old had recently enjoyed a remarkable season, lifting both the Premier League title with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

Silva, 25, had been playing for Penafiel in Portugal's second division, having previously come through the youth ranks at FC Porto.

The brothers' tragic passing prompted an overwhelming wave of grief across the sporting world. Their funeral took place in their hometown of Gondomar on July 5, drawing teammates and coaches from throughout their careers, amongst them Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

Jota is survived by his wife and childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, whom he had wed just a fortnight before his passing, along with their three children — two sons, Dinis and Duarte, and a daughter.

Cardoso has since returned to Gondomar. Liverpool have continued to honor Jota's memory, and when they faced his former English club Wolverhampton Wanderers in December, both Dinis and Duarte served as mascots, walking out at Anfield together.

In his programme notes, Slot wrote: "It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort - if that is even possible - but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace."

Jota made the move to Liverpool from Wolves in the summer of 2020 in a transfer worth up to £45 ($58) million, having previously helped the Midlands club secure promotion to the Premier League two years earlier.

During his five seasons at Anfield, he claimed three trophies, and following his death, the club retired his No.20 jersey in his honor.