Barcelona have been charged with tax fraud on Thursday following the results of an on-going investigation into the transfer of Neymar to the club from Brazilian club Santos over the summer. Judge Pablo Ruz's decision was released on Thursday charging Barcelona with "an infringement against the tax authority relating to the purchase of the Brazilian player."
Barcelona charged with tax fraud by Spanish court
The Spanish club is now facing fraud charges in the wake of an investigation into the transfer of Neymar over the summer.
Manuel Queimadelos Alonso
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Spanish prosecutors claim that they have evidence that the club falsified document pertaining to the transfer and the judge agreed that there was “sufficient evidence for the investigation of a possible crime”. Ruiz requested that a full presentation of all documents and contracts connected to Neymar’s transfer be given to the court.
Barcelona released a brief official statement on their website, denying any wrong doing in the transfer and saying they would answer the charges.
1) The Club’s dealings with respect to this operation, and in light of all information available, was at all times in line with the relevant legal legislation
2) Represented by its lawyers, the Club will appear at the Jutjat Central d’Instrucció number 5 within the next few days in order to defend its interests and rights.
3) We express our total willingness to collaborate with the Justice authorities in this matter, as we have done since the first moment the issue arose and in any other area in which our presence may be required.
Former club president Sandro Rosell, current Barca president Josep Mario Bartomeu, financial vice-president Javier Faus and Neymar’s father have all be implicated in the case. In addition the infestation is looking into the player’s tax status and whether he should pay taxes in Spain or Brazil.
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