In further harrowing news for Barcelona forward Neymar, the 23-year-old has today had £34.5m worth of assets frozen in his native Brazil.
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The judge froze three times that amount for security reasons and to cover potential interest and fines, according to a judicial order explaining the seizure.
Iagaro Jung Martins, an auditor with Brazil’s federal tax agency, told The Associated Press that Neymar will avoid jail provided he repays the tax say he owes to the authorities.
Santos said that it had sent an appeal to Fifa’s arbitration panel as it suspected there had been concealed extra fees of which the club should have received its rightful 60 per cent share.
That move comes after Neymar and his family were found guilty of evading tax to the tune of around £11m between 2011 and 2013 when he was playing for Santos, although the player has always denied any wrongdoing. “Our legislation isn’t too harsh”.
Barcelona maintains the deal cost the club $74m.
All parties deny any wrongdoing.
Earlier this month, both Neymar and his father were questioned in a court in Madrid, over separate allegations of fraud on his transfer to FC Barcelona.
While this has been a good start to the week for Barcelona superstar Neymar, it has not been the best.
Former and current presidents of the Barcelona club and representatives of Santos were also questioned over the case.
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Santos also claims to have been hurt by the transfers.
