Neymar’s father defends Barca

Neymar’s father has defended Barcelona’s role in the signing of his son Neymar Jr from Santos in June 2013.

Prosecutors investigating the signing have called for prison sentences and fines for current club President Josep Maria Bartomeu and his predecessor Sandro Rosell in relation to alleged tax offence surrounding the case, while Barca have protested their innocence.

Neymar Sr. [pictured, left] has issued a statement on his son’s website where he dismisses claims he and any connected companies have been charged with wrongdoing, while he goes on to say those involved in the signing did their jobs correctly and no laws have been broken.

“I wish to make clear the importance to me of the fact no individual or company related to me has been charged in any legal proceedings whatsoever, contrary to what has been reported in recent days by Brazilian media, showing a complete lack of corroborated, truthful reporting,” it read.

“The so-called Neymar Case opened in Spain to investigate the signing of Neymar Jr. by Barcelona has at no point affected us from a legal viewpoint.

“I am convinced the individuals involved in the transaction carried out their work with respect at all times for the laws of Brazil and Spain, and that they did so within FIFA’s statutory framework.

“We are confident that eventually it will be shown that steps taken to make it possible for Neymar Jnr. to play for Barcelona were completely legal, overseen by the best lawyers, and that at no point was there any intention whatsoever to break any law.”

Tags Bartomeu Neymar Neymar Sr Rosell
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