Instead of football, several years in prison. Neymar in court fighting for his future

Instead of the biggest football stadiums, Neymar might just be playing football on a prison plaza. He is currently on trial in Barcelona and faces several years in prison for tax evasion.

He refereed the biggest game in France against Marseille on Sunday, but he didn’t have time for any celebration. In fact, a few hours later he boarded a plane and flew to Barcelona, which was his home from 2013-2017.

However, he has no intention of returning to the Catalan club, as he has to face trial in Spain’s second largest city.

According to Reuters, the Spanish authorities are demanding €8.4 million (206 million crowns) and a two-year jail term for Neymar for tax evasion. But that’s not the worst of it, as the Brazilian investment company DIS is demanding 150 million euros (3.7 million crowns) and five years in prison for the national star.

DIS owned 40% of Neymar’s transfer rights, but received much less money than it should have after the Brazilian star’s transfer from Santos to Barcelona.

DIS accused Barcelona of falsifying the transfer sum. In fact, the Blaugranas management triumphantly announced to the world in 2013 that they were bringing one of the world’s most wanted youngsters for €57 million. However, it was later revealed that the amount was supposed to be as high as €88 million.

Along with Neymar, his parents are also accused, as his father was his agent. At the same time, former Santos president Odilio Rodrigues and former Barcelona presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell are also charged. The trial will run all week, with Neymar testifying on Friday.

Source: MARCA