Neymar cleared of fraud and corruption charges

A Spanish court has cleared Neymar of possible charges of fraud and corruption. Previously, the Brazilian and PSG star risked hefty fines and even a possible prison sentence in the case.

Together with the player, the court also acquitted all the defendants. This included Barcelona presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, ex-Santos president Odilio Rodrigues and Neymar’s parents.

The crux of the matter revolved around Neymar’s 2013 move from Santos to Barcelona. Investment company DIS accused the player, his father and Barça of essentially hiding the true cost of the transfer fee. This would have meant that the defendants were trying not to pay DIS the correct amount. The company previously had partial ownership of Neymar’s player rights.

DIS does not prove that Neymar committed fraud or corruption

However, the court disagreed with the plaintiff. According to the Associated Press, the Spanish court issued a statement saying that the DIS had not proved their point. “It has not been proven that there was a false contract or that DIS intended to cause harm,” the official statement read.

The decision comes at a time when Neymar could use some good news. Brazil was recently eliminated from the 2022 World Cup by Croatia. The epic quarter-final ended on penalties. While Neymar scored a goal in the match, Brazil were beaten 4-2 in the shootout.