Neymar Investigated by Brazilian Tax Authorities: Latest Details and Reaction
Barcelona star Neymar is reportedly being investigated by Brazilian tax authorities, with charges expected to be filed in the coming weeks, according to Brazilian magazine Epoca (h/t Associated Press via FOX Sports).
The magazine claims the investigation has been taking place for well over a year and is currently focused on a specific company, in which Neymar's parents are partners. Authorities have apparently uncovered an “unusual cash flow” of $38 million.
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The reports comes on the heels of the news former club Santos is planning to sue both the player and Barcelona over his transfer in 2013, as reported by Goal's Alec Fenn:
Neymar will become the second Catalan star to be involved in a tax investigation, with fellow forward Lionel Messi facing tax evasion charges that could even result in possible jail time, according to Forbes' Robert M. Wood. Wood argues Messi is likely to get off easy, and Spain's minister of finance, Alberto Garzon, agrees.
According to Wood, he said: “In this country, if your name’s Messi, and you pay whatever money is necessary and negotiate with his [Montoro's] ministry, you don’t go to prison. That’s not justice; it’s unworthy of the name.”
This isn't the first time Neymar's name has been mentioned in a tax fraud investigation, as Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu and his predecessor, Sandro Rosell, have already been indicted in a case in Spain involving his move from Santos, via the Associated Press (h/t ESPN FC).
Barcelona face Juventus in the final of the UEFA Champions League on Saturday, and Neymar will join the Brazilian national team for the Copa America afterward. The last thing the flamboyant winger needs are distractions of this nature, although in the case of Messi, the investigation didn't have an effect on the pitch.
