BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – Brazilian forward Neymar will stand trial in Spain a month before the World Cup for alleged irregularities related to his move to Barcelona in 2013.
Neymar’s parents, former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and both the club and Brazilian team Santos will also face trial following a complaint filed by Brazilian investment group DIS over the amount of the player’s transfer.
The trial is scheduled to begin on October 17, almost a month before the World Cup opens on November 21 in Qatar.
Neymar and his father, who is also his agent, face corruption charges and up to two years in prison, which would likely not carry any jail time. They also face a fine of 10 million euros ($10.1 million). Rosell faces up to five years in prison on fraud and corruption charges, plus a 10 million euro ($10.1 million) fine.
DIS was entitled to 40% of Neymar’s transfer, but said it received smaller compensation because part of the transfer fee was hidden. Prosecutors said those involved tried to hide the real amount of the transfer in order to pay a lower commission to the investment group.
Neymar and the others have denied wrongdoing. Neymar and his father previously appeared in court in Madrid a few years ago due to the allegations.
Santos officially received 17.1 million euros (now $17.3 million) for Neymar’s transfer to Barcelona, but prosecutors said the total amount paid by the Spanish club was 25.1 million euros (now 25.4 million dollars), which means that DIS would be entitled to an additional 3.2 million euros (3.3 million dollars).
Prosecutors said the difference comes from payments made by Barcelona for future acquisitions of other players, as well as partnerships for friendly matches between the clubs.
According to court documents, DIS paid 5 million reais (now $940,000) for 40% of Neymar’s rights in 2009.
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