Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu to be investigated in Neymar tax case
At the request of a state prosecutor, a National Court Judge has agreed to start an investigation into Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu’s involvement in the case involving alleged tax fraud over the transfer of Brazilian star Neymar.
The prosecutor, Jose Perals, requested Judge Pablo Ruz to investigate Bartomeu and Barcelona for tax fraud to the tune of €2.1 million. Ruz has said that Bartomeu will be investigated for the nonpayment of taxes up to €5 million to company N&N, owned by Neymar’s father, and around €500,000 over image rights and agent fees.
Ruz is also overseeing an investigation into former Barcelona President Sandro Rosell over misappropriated funds to hide the transfer cost paid to Santos for Neymar.
Bartomeu is to appear in the Madrid Court on 13th ?February.
Barcelona released a club statement expressing its ‘surprise, indignation and disagreement’ at the Prosecutor’s petition and said they would act determinedly to defend the club. The club reiterated its stand over Neymar’s transfer and stated, “FC Barcelona shall not allow any action to tarnish the Club’s image or to damage or dishonour what it considers to be a historic and strategic signing.”