FC Barcelona has paid €13.55 million to Spanish tax authorities to cover any potential issues it may face in the club’s transfer and signing of Neymar this summer. However the club is still maintaining that it is innocent of the fraud charges that have been levied against it.
The Full Statement is available on the club’s website. Some highlights include:
Barcelona stating that they have not committed any offences, and state that the payment was made due to a possible “difference in interpretation of the tax laws …”
“The Club will continue to give maximum collaboration to the Law Courts in order to clarify the facts of the case …”
“The Club will present a legal defence in the case opened against it and members can be assured that the Club has always acted within the law and that the Board will defend the Club’s reputation – one of the most emblematic in our country – until the final consequences and in whatever legal context required …”
“This voluntary contribution should not be understood as in any way affecting the Club’s right to have its tax obligations in this matter determined by the competent authorities, concerning which the Club reserves the right to further action.”
The payments indicate that the the true price of Neymar’s transfer was €100 million after the football club initially said it had paid €57.1 million for the Brazilian International striker. That sum does not include bonus payments made by Barcelona or the 22-year-old’s salary, as such Neymar’s total cost likely exceeds the record-breaking €100 million plus spent by rivals Real Madrid on the transfer of Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
So far this season, Neymar has scored 12 goals for Barelona in 29 appearances across all competitions.
The controversy surrounding Neymar’s signing, and the charges levelled by the Spanish tax authorities forced the resignation of club president Sandro Rosell last month. Rossell continues to be investigated by the same Spanish court in relation to tax fraud.
The case was brought to the attention of the courts when a club member complained about the lack of transparency surrounding the deal.
Of the initial transfer fee, Santos received €17.1 million euros while Neymar’s father, who also goes by Neymar, earned €40 million.
The situation may not end here, if convicted of Fraud, UEFA and or FIFA could take sanctions against the club.
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Main Photo Credit: David Ramos
