Barcelona president hints Real Madrid are behind Neymar court case - 'someone has overstepped the line'
The Catalan side have been accused of defrauding the Spanish tax office over the deal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insinuated that bitter enemies Real Madrid had a part to play in the Neymar transfer court case in which he has been called to give evidence.
"We have done nothing wrong and we will keep saying the truth. The signing of Neymar took place using the most prestigious lawyers," Bartomeu told Spanish television.
"Other clubs wanted to sign Neymar paying more money but they didn't manage it and they didn't like that. Someone now has overstepped the line.
"I'm not saying Madrid are behind this but Neymar's father told me that there were two offers: Barca and Madrid. Madrid wanted to buy him and were ready to pay more for him.
"A year ago Neymar was playing well and then all this fuss suddenly came up. Maybe somebody doesn't like him. Now again he is playing well and there is another judicial process."
Bartomeu also suggested that there is a political campaign against the club over its prominent role in Catalan nationalism.
"A year ago we allowed the Camp Nou to be used for the Liberty Concert, we play with the colours of the Senyera (the Catalan flag) ... maybe that isn't liked," he said.
"I can see a sport and politics issue but we are going to keep going as we are and reach the end which is my role. We are paying a political price."
Bartomeu will be questioned on February 13 over whether Barcelona and their directors defrauded the Spanish tax office of 2.8 million euros during the 2014 tax year.
Barcelona initially claimed that the cost of the Neymar transfer from Santos ahead of last season was 57.1 million euros but the case was taken to court by a fan seeking transparency over the deal.
Former president Sandro Rosell resigned in January, 2014, after a judge decided to investigate and call him to testify.
Bartomeu, having replaced Rosell, gave a breakdown of the cost of the Neymar transfer which revealed that it amounted to 86.2 million euros with the inclusion of payments to the player and his family.
Judge Pablo Ruz feels there is sufficient argument to investigate a claim that tax was not paid on an outstanding installment of the transfer that took place at the start of Bartomeu's presidency in January last year.
Bartomeu's pending court appearance is the latest incident in a troubled year for him at the helm of the club.
The boardroom crisis in the aftermath of a transfer ban for two windows over the signing of foreign under-18 players led him to bring forward presidential elections to the end of this season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments