Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, will testify in the trial of Sandro Rosell, the former president of FC Barcelona, who faces charges of corruption and fraud related to the transfer of Brazilian star Neymar da Silva. The Spanish newspaper "AS" reported that the Real Madrid president will be one of 18 witnesses in the oral trial set to begin on October 17, which will also involve the Brazilian investment fund and the Union of Professional Athletes in Brazil.
Prosecutors have requested a 5-year prison sentence and a fine of 10 million euros for the former Barcelona president for committing crimes of corruption and fraud in the transfer of the Brazilian forward, who is also seeking a 2-year prison sentence and a fine of 10 million for committing business corruption.
The fund owned 40% of Neymar’s economic rights at the time of his transfer to Barcelona, following an agreement reached in 2009 with the player, which paid him an amount equivalent to 2 million euros. However, despite Barcelona paying 25.17 million euros to Santos for the player’s rights and another 60 million to (N&N), the family company run by Neymar's father, (DIS) only received 6.8 million, representing the 40% share.
The company is now demanding 150 million euros in damages, along with a 5-year prison sentence for the player and 8 years for both Rosell and Bartomeu. Additionally, the Union of Professional Athletes believes its rights were violated in the alleged fraudulent dealings between Barcelona and Santos.
Alongside Neymar, Rosell, and Bartomeu, the player’s father and mother also face charges, with the prosecution calling for prison sentences of two years and one year, respectively, for business corruption. Former Santos director Odílio Rodrigues is also facing a 3-year prison sentence for committing fraud.
Three legal entities will also be tried for their involvement in the case: FC Barcelona, Santos FC, and the (N&N) consulting firm, with the prosecution requesting fines of 8.4 million, 7 million, and 1.44 million euros, respectively. Neymar’s transfer has been subject to legal proceedings for years, resulting in numerous legal and financial issues for the Catalan club.
