Skip to content

Neymar could face further probes into financial dealings in Brazil

Yuya Shino / Reuters

Neymar's court visits aren't showing any signs of slowing after prosecutors in Brazil called for the Barcelona star to be charged with tax evasion from his time with Santos.

The forward is currently denying any wrongdoing in a Spanish case relating to his transfer from Santos to Barcelona, which alleges he committed fraud, and he could be called back to his homeland on four counts of fraud relating to a tax case.

BBC Sport's Tim Vickery notes: "Government prosecutors - who are recommending his prosecution on four charges of fraud - claim that companies were set up as fronts, and money that should have been taxed at the rate of a private individual was channeled into these companies and subject to a lower rate."

Neymar isn't currently a defendant, but the prosecutors' claims will be heard by a judge who'll decide whether or not there's a case to answer, according to Vickery. The allegations of tax evasion are nothing new, with the 23-year-old's assets frozen in 2015, but it appears steps are being taken for the case to be heard in a court of law.

Fellow Barcelona players have been embroiled in their own tax scandals, with Javier Mascherano handed a significant fine and suspended prison sentence last month, and Lionel Messi and his father due to stand trial in May.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox