Spain’s Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of Neymar, along with former FC Barcelona presidents Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, over allegations of fraud and corruption linked to the player’s 2013 transfer from Santos FC.
The court’s Criminal Chamber dismissed an appeal against a 2022 ruling by the Barcelona Provincial Court, which had already found that no crime was committed during the deal.
In its decision, the Supreme Court said the established facts showed “the inconsistency of the prosecution’s case,” adding that there was no evidence of corruption or fraudulent conduct by the player, his representatives, or the club.
Prosecutors had sought a two-year prison sentence for Neymar, along with a €10 million fine, following a complaint by Brazilian investment firm DIS, which held 40 percent of the player’s economic rights during his time at Santos.
DIS argued that it was deprived of its full share because the transfer fee was allegedly undervalued. The firm received €6.8 million, representing 40 percent of the officially declared €17.1 million transfer fee, but claimed the figure did not reflect Neymar’s true market value.
The ruling brings an end to a long-running legal battle over one of football’s most high-profile transfers, clearing all parties of wrongdoing.
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