Barca Pays £11.1m in Neymar Tax Fraud Case But Denies Wrongdoing

Barcelona have paid £11.1m to Spanish authorities after they were charged last week with tax fraud in the signing of Brazil forward Neymar, the club announce.

The defending La Liga champions have insisted they had not committed any tax offence but claim the payment had been made due to a “possible difference of interpretation” about the amount they owed after signing the Brazilian wonderkid from Santos in the close season.

Neymar’s parent received £34m of the £48.6m paid Santos for Neymar’s services.

Neymar Has Scored Seven Goals in 18 League Appearances This Season.
Neymar Has Scored Seven Goals in 18 League Appearances This Season.

At the time of the youngster’s move, Barca said they had paid €57m
but it is alleged that, if other contracts are considered, the club have paid a far greater price.

Last week, a judge in Spain ruled there was sufficient evidence against the La Liga giants to continue investigations into the Brazilian’s signing in June 2013.

Sandro Rosell resigned from his position as the Catalans’ president last month following accusations he misappropriated club’s fund. He is presently under investigation but claims innocence.

The club said in a statement: “The board denies the existence of any tax-related crime in relation to the fiscal obligations arising from the signing of the player.

“Given the existence of a possible divergent interpretation of the exact amount of tax responsibility arising from the signing and to defend the club’s reputation and good name, FC Barcelona has this morning made a complimentary tax declaration of a total of 13,550,830.56 euros […] although we remain convinced that the original tax payment was in line with our fiscal obligations.”

There has not yet been any confirmation as to whether the case would be dropped following the payment made by the club.