MADRID: The Spanish league has demanded that Barcelona provide full documentation of the controversial Neymar purchase or risk a fine of up to €300,000 writes KEIR RADNEDGE.
Very soon Neymar’s price may exceed the world record €100m Real Madrid splashed on Gareth Bale.
Javier Tebas, president of the LFP, spoke out after reports that the Catalan club was paying €13m into court in the hope of halting an inquiry into allegations of tax evasion.
He said: “One thing is taking action on a judicial level but it’s another issue if the rules of the league have been breached.”
Tebas was speaking after am extraordinary general meeting of the LFP in Valencia as the storm over the Brzailian superstar’s signing by Barcelona from Santos showed no sign of abating.
Tebas recalled that, 10 days earlier, “Barcelona were ordered to set out for the League its explanations regarding the hiring of Neymar as it breached the rules of economic control.
“They sent a dossier and have been asked for more.”
Disciplinary action
Tebas noted that the relevant LFP committee comprised, among others, lawyer and accountants and had appropriate status to order disciplinary proceedings.
“Barcelona,” he said, “if in breach, could receive a fine of between €60,000 and €300,000.”
The issue with Barcelona did not concern the fee paid but the filing of incorrect or misleading documentation.”
Initially Barcelona said Neymar had cost €57.1m of which Santos had received €17.1m. After the resignation of Sandro Rosell, his presidential successor Josep Bartomeo adjusted the figure to €86m.
The tax payment would take the total to €99m and any further penalties from judicial or sports bodies would take Neymar’s price beyond the world record €100m Real Madrid were reputed to have paid Tottenham for Bale last summer.
###############