MADRID: The Spanish league has launched its own investigation into the complex transfer of Neymar to 2013 which has prompted tax court cases in both Brazil and Spain.

In June, Barcelona paid the Spanish authorities a €5.5m fine over undeclared cash involved in the 24-year-old’s move from Santos. The Spanish champions had denied tax fraud.

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu had blamed the dispute on “a mistake… in tax planning”.

Barcelona said it paid €57m for the forward, with the player’s parents receiving €40m and Santos €17m.

But investigators said the fee was closer to €83m and that Barcelona had concealed part of the deal. The club denied the claim.

Bartomeu added at the time: “It was better to accept this agreement than continue on with the uncertainty that has dragged on for a long time over the Neymar case.”

A league statement read: “Following widespread media reports, La Liga confirms an informative hearing will be launched with FC Barcelona in relation to the agreement reached between the club’s board and the Spanish Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Neymar legal case.”

Neymar signed a five-year contract extension in July, shortly before leading Brazil to Olympic Games gold in Rio de Janeiro. He has scored 55 goals in 94 league games for the club.

###########