Months after the case was dismissed, a Spanish judge has declared that F.C. Barcelona and Brazil footballer Neymar, whose full name is Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, should stand trial for fraud.
The case was reopened on Monday following claims by the investment fund DIS, which owned the transfer rights to the football star, and claimed it was short-changed when Neymar moved to the Barcelona football team in 2013.
Though DIS was entitled to 40% of Neymar’s transfer from the Brazilian football club Santos to Barcelona, it claims that it received a smaller compensation than it should have because part of the transfer fee was concealed.
In addition to Neymar and his parents, the former and current Barcelona football club presidents, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu are also accused of involvement, and will also have to stand trial, according to Spanish news agency EFE.
The 24-year-old soccer star, who has signed a new five-year contract with Barcelona, has won two La Liga titles since moving to the team, as well as two Copa del Rey trophies, the Champions League, the European Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup, and the World Cup.
Barcelona was fined 5.5m Euros for tax irregularities relating to Neymar’s transfer, and prosecutors have 10 days to formalize their request for a trial.
For once, the ball is not in Neymar’s court.
Source: BBC
