Barca charged with tax fraud over Neymar deal

MADRID, (Reuters) – Barcelona have been charged by a Spanish court with committing tax fraud in the signing of Brazil forward Neymar last year, a court spokesman said yesterday.

“Judge Pablo Ruz has charged FC Barcelona with an infringement against the tax authority relating to the purchase of the Brazilian player,” the spokesman said. Barca denied wrongdoing after local media reported on Wednesday that Spain’s public prosecutor had asked Judge Ruz to lay fraud charges against the club.

“The club’s actions have, at all times, regarding that operation (to sign Neymar) and in line with the available information, been fully compliant with existing law,” Barca said in a statement. The Spanish champions added they would be sending legal representatives to court “in the coming days” to defend their rights and interests.

“At the same time (Barca) states its complete availability to collaborate with the justice authorities in this process, as it has been doing from the first moment, or in any other that might require its intervention.”