Sports Pundit
Football

Corruption and Fraud Charges Against Neymar Dropped

Neymar da Silva of Paris Saint-Germain Fc during the Uefa Champions League Group H match beetween Paris Saint Germain Fc and Juventus Fc at Parc des Princes on September 6, 2022 in Paris, France . — Photo by canno73
Neymar da Silva of Paris Saint-Germain Fc during the Uefa Champions League Group H match beetween Paris Saint Germain Fc and Juventus Fc at Parc des Princes on September 6, 2022 in Paris, France . — Photo by canno73

Charges made against Paris St-Germain forward and others have been dropped. The charges were related to his 2013 transfers from Santos to Barcelona

Initially, prosecutors had sought a two-year jail term and a fine for the 30-year-old player. The charges have now been withdrawn against all accused.

Others who were charged included Neymar’s parents, the two clubs, Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell former Barcelona presidents, and Odillo Rodrigues former Santos president.

The allegations were denied by Neymar saying that he did not remember taking part in any negotiations. The agreement for his transfer was initially reached in 2011 and completed after two years.

Neymar had spent four years at Barcelona. He was instrumental in helping them win two La Liga Titles as well as winning the 2015 Champions League. He moved to Paris St-Germain in 2017.

Investment firm DIS, argued that it lost out in the transfer because the players transfer fee was undervalued. DIS had acquired 40% of the rights to Neymar when he was 17.

A lawyer for the firm claimed that there were clubs who had made higher offers to get the player. Barcelona later claimed that 40% of the share did go to DIS while the rest went to Neymars family.

In the lawsuit, DIS had asked for a five-year jail term for Neymar and a multi-million euro fine. They also sought prison time for both Rosell and Bartomeu. They also sought to fine Barcelona.

Neymars camp argued that the Spanish courts had not jurisdiction to prosecute Neymar, his family, and the others that were charged. They also added that the alleged crimes were not punishable in Brazil.

The football player is represented by lawyers from Baker McKenzie.