Washington: The trial in the fraud and corruption case against Brazilian soccer star Neymar will begin next week. The case is linked to Neymar’s transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013. The complainant is DIS, a Brazilian investment company. Plaintiffs demand that Neymar be jailed.
In addition to Neymar’s parents, two club owners, former Barcelona president Joseph Maria Barthumeu. Sandro Rosell is also accused in the case. Former Santos president Odileo Rodriguez is also accused.
At the age of 17, investment firm DIS acquired 40% of Neymar. However, the controversy arose in connection with Barcelona’s acquisition of Neymar for low remuneration without DIS’s permission.
Barca bought Neymar for 57.1 million euros. Of these, 40 million euros were transferred to Neymar’s family and 17 million to DIS. DIS attorney Paulo Nasser said Neymar’s rights were not sold to the highest bidder and this resulted in a loss. He also said clubs were on the scene with offers of up to € 60 million for Neymar. Meanwhile, the rules for products and services do not apply to flea markets. Neymar’s lawyer argues that it is up to the player to decide which club to play for.
