Spain’s Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of Neymar, along with former Barcelona presidents Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu. The charges of fraud and corruption were linked to the Brazil star’s 2013 transfer from Santos.
Supreme Court Rejects Appeal
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Chamber stated on Wednesday that it rejected the appeal filed against the 2022 ruling from the Barcelona Provincial Court. The previous ruling determined that no crime was committed during the player’s acquisition.
The Supreme Court ruled that the established facts demonstrate “the inconsistency of the prosecution’s case.”
No Corruption Found
The Supreme Court ruling stated, “There was no corruption in the business dealings, nor any improper fraud, not on the part of the player, his representatives, or FC Barcelona.”
Background of the Case
Prosecutors had sought a two-year prison term for Neymar and a €10 million fine in the case brought by Brazilian investment firm DIS. DIS owned 40% of the rights to Neymar when he was at Santos.
DIS argued it lost out on its rightful cut from the transfer because the true value was understated. DIS received €6.8m, which was 40% of Neymar’s official transfer price of €17.1m.
Barral said the figure was unrealistic given the player’s valuation.
The Supreme Court’s decision affirms the earlier ruling, concluding the legal proceedings surrounding Neymar’s transfer to Barcelona.