A Spanish court acquitted Neymar of potential fraud and corruption charges. Previously, the Brazil and PSG star faced hefty fines and even a possible prison sentence in the case.
Along with the player, the court acquitted all defendants, as well. This included Barcelona presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, ex-Santos president Odilio Rodrigues as well as Neymar’s parents.
The crux of the case revolved around Neymar’s 2013 move from Santos to Barcelona. Investment firm DIS accused the player, his father, and Barca of essentially hiding the real cost of the transfer fee. This would have meant that the defendants were trying not to pay DIS the correct amount of money. The firm previously had a partial ownership in Neymar’s player rights.
DIS does not prove Neymar committed fraud or corruption
Nevertheless, the court disagreed with the plaintiff. According to the Associated Press, the Spanish court issued a statement saying that DIS failed to prove their point. “It has not been proven that there was a false contract or that DIS was intended to be harmed,” read the official statement.
The decision comes at a time in which Neymar could certainly use some good news. Brazil was recently knocked out of the 2022 World Cup by Croatia. The epic quarterfinal match ended on penalty kicks. While Neymar scored a goal in the match, Brazil were beaten 4-2 in the shootout.
Ronaldo asks Neymar to seek psychological support
Following the loss, Neymar was seen in tears and even suggested that the game could be his last for Brazil. Legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo claimed that Neymar should be receiving mental health treatment. “I would advise having a psychological support to withstand this pressure, which is extremely disproportionate for human beings,” Ronaldo told Brazilian outlet Globo.
“Neymar will come back with the same passion, with the same desire,” continued Ronaldo. “But I wanted to reinforce this need to monitor the mental health of our players … It is very important for us to address this issue, especially when it comes to the World Cup, where the whole world is looking at the national team. The world was looking at Neymar.”
The star forward will now receive some much-needed time off before heading back to France. PSG play their next Ligue 1 game on December 28th at home against Strasbourg.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
