Barcelona Pay Additional Tax Related to Neymar Deal

Barcelona have revealed thay have paid an additional €13.6million ($18.52m) to the Spanish authorities in regards to their signing of Neymar, but insist they have done nothing wrong.

The Spanish courts confirmed last week that Barcelona had been charged with tax fraud as part of the signing of the Brazil forward from Santos.

Neymar’s summer move from Santos is also being investigated for possible misappropriation of funds following a complaint from Barcelona member Jordi Cases.

The complaint led to president Sandro Rosell stepping down, although he denies any wrongdoing.

Rosell’s deputy Josep Bartomeu has taken charge and he soon revealed that Neymar’s actual cost to the club was nearer €90million including all payments – and not the €57.1m as they stated at the time.

Barcelona said in a statement: “We wish to make clear that FC Barcelona has always fulfilled its tax obligations, both in terms of time and method, and has enjoyed close collaboration with the Spanish Tax Authorities. FC Barcelona has no tax debts.

“The Board again insists that in relation to this signing, the Club has scrupulously fulfilled its fiscal obligations in line with its awareness at the time of the contracts and agreements signed in good faith.

“Given the existence of a possible divergent interpretation of the exact amount of tax responsibility arising from the signing and to defend the Club’s reputation and good name, FC Barcelona has this morning made a complementary tax declaration of a total of  13,550,830,56 Euros to cover any potential interpretation made concerning the contracts signed in the transfer process for Neymar, although we remain convinced that the original tax payment was in line with our fiscal obligations.

“This voluntary contribution should not be understood as in any way affecting the Club’s right to have its tax obligations in this matter determined by the competent authorities, concerning which the Club reserves the right to further action.”

The Barcelona Board of Directors will meet this evening to discuss the issues currently surrounding the team.

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