Judge opens proceedings for Neymar’s corruption trial

A Spanish judge has set in motion proceedings for Neymar’s trial on corruption and fraud charges related to his transfer to Barcelona four years ago.

Neymar’s parents, Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu, and former president Sandro Rosell will also stand trial, along with Barcelona and Brazilian club Santos.

The charges were brought after a complaint by a Brazilian investment group which said it received a smaller compensation because part of Neymar’s transfer fee was concealed by those involved.

The judge yesterday ordered the parties, who will have 10 days to present their formal defense, to set aside a total of $3.7 million, which is the amount allegedly owed to the investment group.

Prosecutors are seeking a two-year prison sentence and a fine of nearly $10 million for Neymar, although he is not likely to face any jail time if found guilty because in Spain sentences of two years or less for first offences are usually suspended.

The trial’s date has not been set.

Brazil leads unchanged top 20 in FIFA rankings

Brazil leads an unchanged top 20 in the FIFA rankings.

None of the leading South American and European national teams played in April, but Brazil extended their lead over second-place Argentina because previous matches changed in value.

FIFA weighs results over a four-year cycle with more value given to games played in the past year.

World Cup winner Germany is third. Chile, the two-time defending Copa America champion, and Colombia complete the top five.

World Cup host Russia is unchanged at No. 61, though is playing only friendlies while rivals play higher-value qualifying games.

The next rankings will be published on June 1, ahead of World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup in Russia.

Former Czech Republic coach returns to Viktoria Plzen

Viktoria Plzen said that former Czech Republic national team coach Pavel Vrba has returned to the club. Vrba has signed a three-year contract to coach the team, starting next season.

Vrba was in charge of Plzen from 2008-13, winning two titles. He led the club to the Champions League twice in three years, relying on attractive, attacking soccer.

He took over the national team in 2014 and ended his contract last year after the team was eliminated at the European Championship in France. He then coached Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian league.