Spanish prosecutors drop Neymar fraud charges
The Brazilian was the subject of an investigation over his move to FC Barcelona in 2013
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar has been cleared of all charges relating to the fraud and corruption case surrounding his 2013 transfer from Brazilian side Santos to FC Barcelona.
In the case brought by Investment firm DIS, prosecutors were seeking a two-year jail sentence for the winger and a fine of €10 million; they have since been dropped after Spanish courts announced the withdrawal of all charges in a shock decision. The prosecutor said on Friday that “there is not the slightest hint of crime.”
Neymar, who played for Barcelona between 2013 and 2017 before a €222 million move to the French capital, was on trail with eight others.
Other defendants included the player’s parents, Odilio Rodrigues, former Santos president and former Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu. Also involved was another ex-Barcelona president, Sandro Rosell: prosecution asked for a 5 year jail sentence for the businessman who presided over the Catalan club from 2010 to 2014.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.