Spanish public prosecution led by Judge José Perals called for a two-year prison sentence and a $10.6M fine on Wednesday to Barcelona striker Neymar for his involvement in a fraud case regarding his move from Santos to Barca. The Spanish prosecution also called for a €8.4M ($8.8M) fine to the club, as per The Independent. Former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell is also involved, with prosecutors recommending a five-year sentence for his role in the affair as per beIN Sports.
The charges to the Barcelona striker stems from a case against Neymar, his father (who acted as his agent) and Rosell in a complaint filed by DIS, a Brazilian investment fund, which held 40 percent of Neymar's transfer rights. DIS claims that it received less money than it was entitled to from the transfer as Barca allegedly concealed the real transfer fee, as per Reuters. In addition, DIS seeks heavier sanctions against Barca and Neymar such as a €195M ($200M) fine to the club and 5-year sentences to Neymar and his father, as per beIN Sports.
The club has been immersed in legal troubles since Neymar transferred in 2013. Rosell resigned in 2014 for his involvement and testified in court in February, along with Neymar and his father. FC Barcelona struck a deal with prosecutors in June to settle a separate case and paid a $6.2M fine, as per Reuters. The case was archived by Judge Jose de la Mata but it was successfully overruled by the Spanish public prosecutor's office in September, which reopened the case.
But even if the Barcelona striker has been sentenced, prison terms for two years and under can be suspended under the Spanish legal system, per BBC News. This means that Neymar might not spend time in prison, and will most likely appeal for his case.
