Neymar could face trial for fraud as court reopens case

Judges rule there is enough evidence to keep the case alive

Acase into alleged irregularities regarding the transfer of striker Neymar to Spanish club Barcelona has been reopened and the Brazil star could face a trial for fraud, a Madrid court said yesterday.

The ruling came less than three months after National Court judge Jose de la Mata shelved the complaint brought by Brazilian investment group DIS against Neymar, his father, former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell, Brazilian club Santos and its former president, Odilio Rodrigues.

Prosecutors appealed and a group of judges ruled there is still enough evidence to keep the case alive. The decision opens the way for a trial, although it could be avoided if the parties reach a deal.

Barca said they disagreed “with the reasoning for the decision to continue” the case. “Barcelona will maintain the thesis that it has defended all along, showing that all those being investigated are innocent,” the club said in a statement.

All parties being accused by prosecutors have denied wrongdoing. Neymar and his father, who acts as the player’s agent, appeared at a Madrid court in February to defend themselves.

Accusation

The Brazilian investment group was entitled to 40 per cent of Neymar’s transfer from Brazilian club Santos in 2013, but claimed it received a smaller cut than it should have because part of the transfer fee was concealed. An association of professional players in Brazil has also joined DIS in the case.

Barcelona said the price of Neymar’s transfer was €57.1 million ($64 million), with Santos receiving €17.1 million and a company owned by Neymar’s parents €40 million. Prosecutors said the total amount paid by Barca to Santos was €25.1 million, meaning DIS would be entitled to €3.2 million more.