Transfers: two years prison and fine of €10m recommended against the Brazilian Neymar (FC Barcelona)

The Spanish Public Prosecutor's Office has recommended a sentence of two years in prison, a three-year band from the exercise of his trade or profession, and a fine of €10m against the Brazilian international Neymar (FC Barcelona, LaLiga Santander), as part of the investigation into the transfer of the player between Santos FC (Chevrolet Brasileirão Série A) and FC Barcelona in 2013, on 23/11/2016.

The Brazilian investment fund DIS, which owned 40% of the economic rights to Neymar at the time of his transfer to FC Barcelona, filed a complaint against the player for "corruption and fraud". FC Barcelona had officially registered the transfer of Neymar at €57m, while it is thought to have actually amounted to €83.3m, according to the Spanish justice. DIS feels aggrieved in this process, and has accused Neymar and FC Barcelona of lowering the actual amount of the transfer in order to reduce the amount that was to be paid to the investment fund.

Even if convicted, the player would likely not go to prison: in Spain, the sentences lower than 24 months and one day result in a suspended…