Neymar da Silva Santos Jr., born 5 February 1992, commonly known as Neymar or Neymar Jr., is now being probed for a corruption case. Prosecutors in Spain are looking to lock up Neymar, claiming that the Brazilian soccer star needs to be harshly penalized for his purported part in a multi-million dollar scheme.
The story is long and complicated but, basically, boils down to this: executives believe Neymar and his family concealed money in his $105 million transfer fee contract from Santos to Barcelona in 2013, writes TMZ.
Spanish Prosecutors Have Called For Barcelona Forward Neymar To Be Sent To Prison
Spanish prosecutors want to punish Neymar Jr., his father, who acts as the player's agent, Barcelona, and the player's Brazilian club for Brazilian investment group DIS' claim that they hid the true value of the star's transfer fee. Prosecutors said they are seeking a two-year prison sentence and a $10.6 million fine for Neymar Jr. and his father on corruption charges. They are not likely to face any jail time for now, according to ABC News. In Spain, rulings of less than two years for first-time violations are usually suspended.
Neymar Corruption Scandal Places $200 Million Fine On Barcelona
In January 2014, the prosecutor's office in Madrid began investigating the transfer fee that Barcelona paid for Neymar. The documents submitted to the authorities on request contained contradictory information. In the aftermath, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, former president Sandro Rosell, as well as Santos were charged with tax fraud and an eight-year sentence for both.
It also seeks a fine from Barcelona that could reach more than $200 million. They are all set to stand trial. DIS has also demanded a five-year prison sentence for Neymar and to be temporarily suspended from playing if found guilty. The celebrated professional footballer, who plays as a forward for Spanish club FC Barcelona and the Brazil national team, denied the allegations. He signed a new five-year contract with Barcelona in October. All the others involved have denied committing offense.