Status: 17.10.2022 14:05
Brazilian soccer star Neymar has taken his place in the dock in Spain. A trial against the soccer star and other defendants for alleged fraud and corruption began on Monday (17 October 2022) when the professional moved from FC Santos to FC Barcelona in 2013 at the Barcelona district court.
The prosecutor asks Neymar for two years in prison and a fine of ten million euros. A private prosecutor is even pushing for a five-year prison sentence for Neymar. The 30-year-old denied all allegations. The oral hearing is scheduled for October 31st.
Statement only on Friday
Neymar walked up the courthouse steps with a serious expression and very slow steps. He was accompanied by several lawyers. The Brazilian, who led his club Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-0 victory over Olympique Marseille on Sunday (16 October 2022), is only expected to testify on Friday.
All the defendants deny the crimes
In addition to Neymar (30), who has played for the French champions since 2017, the parents of the professional and two former FC Barcelona presidents, Josep Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, are also accused. The prosecutor asks for the highest sentence for Rosell: five years. In Spain, prison sentences of up to two years are almost always suspended for those without a criminal record. All suspects had previously denied the allegations.
The judiciary had already ordered the opening of a criminal case in 2017 after Neymar and Barça had failed with an appeal. This is a lawsuit by the Brazilian investment fund DIS in connection with Neymar’s move to Barcelona in 2013. DIS had a 40% stake in Neymar and is believed to have been scammed for millions of dollars. According to investigations by the Spanish authorities, it is said that much more money went into the change than officially announced.
Those: sportschau.de
