Jump directly to the content
neymar in dock

Barcelona star Neymar ordered to stand trial for fraud in Spanish court following transfer from Santos

Brazilian made the switch in 2013 but has been facing a court battle ever since over who received money from the fee

NEYMAR has been ordered to stand trial after being accused of fraud over transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013.

However, if convicted, it unlikely he will serve any time in prison as, under Spanish law, sentences of two years and under in length can be suspended.

Neymar arrives at court for a hearing in February 2016

Corbis
4
Neymar arrives at court for a hearing in February 2016

The Brazilian superstar’s Barcelona team-mates at the Nou Camp, Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano, were both sentenced to time in jail — of 21 and 12 months respectively — after they were both found guilty of tax fraud.

However, they were suspended and the result saw neither of them have to serve any time behind bars.

Though, should they be found guilty again, that sentence will come into effect.

Neymar will have to stand trial for fraud after move from Santos to Barcelona

Corbis
4
Neymar will have to stand trial for fraud after move from Santos to Barcelona

Neymar in action for Barcelona, who he joined in 2013

Rex Features
4
Neymar in action for Barcelona, who he joined in 2013

Messi was convicted in July this year, along with his father, Jorge Messi, and was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

Neither have spent any time in jail, though, as both their sentences were suspended.

Neymar has already paid £36m after he was found guilty of tax evasion by a Brazilian court.

Neymar completes controversial transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013

Getty Images
4
Neymar completes controversial transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013

 

He was found to have failed to pay the tax due on his earnings from contracts with former club Santos, Barcelona and Nike from 2011 until 2013.

The five-time Ballon d’Or-winner has been ordered to pay £1.3million in fines for three counts of tax fraud and his father was forced to shell out £1.1m.