Washington: The trial in the fraud and corruption case against Brazilian football star Neymar will begin next week. The case is related to the transfer of Neymar from Santos to Barcelona in 2013. The plaintiff is DIS, a Brazilian investment firm. The plaintiffs are demanding that Neymar be jailed.
In addition to Neymar’s parents, two club owners, former Barcelona presidents Joseph Maria Barthumeu. Sandro Rosell are also accused in the case. Former Santos president Odileo Rodriguez is also accused.
At the age of 17, investment firm DIS acquired 40 percent of Neymar. However, the controversy arose in connection with Barcelona’s acquisition of Neymar for a low fee without the permission of DIS.
Barca bought Neymar for 57.1 million euros. Of this, 40 million euros were transferred to Neymar’s family and 17 million were paid to DIS. DIS lawyer Paulo Nasser argued that Neymar’s rights were not handed over to the highest bidder and this resulted in a loss. He also said that clubs were on the scene with offers of up to 60 million euros for Neymar. Meanwhile, the rules for products and services do not apply to transfer markets. Neymar’s lawyer argues that it is up to the player to decide which club to play for.