The trio were kept in a Spanish jail after being arrested and charged with sexual aggression during a club training break in La Manga.

But the players were released on bail in March and today all criminal charges arising from the La Manga incident were formally dropped by the Spanish authorities.

Leicester issued a statement which read: "The club welcomes the news that all criminal charges have been withdrawn.

"We are pleased that what has been a very difficult time for a large number of players and their families is now at an end.

"Our players have consistently pleaded their innocence of all the charges made against them and they are delighted that their innocence has now been recognised by the Spanish authorities.

"As a club, we have consistently maintained our total faith in the Spanish judicial system and welcome the news that justice has been seen to be done."

Davies told Sky Sports News: "It is a relief for the players themselves and their families. They said all along that they were innocent and now the jduge has said so as well."

Today's move also leaves Matt Elliott, Lilian Nalis, James Scowcroft, Nikos Dabizas and Danny Coyne in the clear.

They had been on bail following the initial allegations, with Scowcroft ordered to pay 20,000 euros (£13,300) bail and attend a Spanish consulate twice a month.

Part of the new evidence looked at by the judge related to suggestions that the alleged victims, who live in Germany, were prostitutes, a claim they have denied.

Earlier this month the News of the World reported that one of the women, Ruth Lorenco, 36, offered an undercover reporter sex with her and the two other women - Beatrice Wanjiro, 31, and Martha Wilbert, 37 - in return for £700.

Gillespie said later in a statement: "I am delighted that we have all been totally vindicated in this matter.

"Hopefully, all our lives can now get back to normal as quickly as possible and we can concentrate single-mindedly on the football."