MADRID: A Spanish judge has approved a move to send for trial on tax evasion charges not only Barcelona presidents past and present but the club itself.

Judge Pablo Ruz was resolving the latest step in legal action against Josep Maria Bartomeu, predecessor Sandro Rosell and FC Barcelona for an alleged €12m fraud in connection with signing of Brazil superstar Neymar two years ago.

Bartomeu and Rosell failed in a plea for the dismissal of the case. Martomeu also argued in vain that the deal was organised under Rosell while the latter was also unsuccessful in appealing for the case to be switched to a court in Barcelona.

The new factor in the latest hearing was the judge’s inclusion of action against the club itself in the case. Prosecutors now have 10 days to draft and present the indictment.

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