Barcelona's problems continue off the pitch. Weeks after Judge Pablo Ruz confirmed both Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu were implicated in the supposed tax fraud concerning Neymar's signing, today the same judge summoned both executives and the club as an entity to trial, in a date yet to be determined.
Judge Ruz determined Rosell and Bartomeu ellaborated a plot to hide the player's real cost, failing to prove that the 57 million euros paid to Brazilian team Santos covered Neymar's value. Furthermore, the authority dismissed a 13 million euro payment made by Los Blaugranas when the investigation started, considering this sum did not cover what the team owed to the Spanish tax authorities. According to sources, the real value of Neymar's transfer surrounded the 83 million euros mark.
Rosell's alleged implication in this matter forced him to resign from Barcelona's presidency. Meanwhile, Josep Maria Bartomeu took over his duties, but recently announced a new process to elect Barca's new boss. He intended to compete for a new term, but if the allegations are true, he will have to step down to face trial.
"The club did not commit any crime"-- Barcelona's legal team
After the decision was made public, the club's legal department issued a press release, sharing their thoughts about the "illegitimate process" against them. Furthermore, the club has appealed the judge's decision, with the intention of extending the process to find enough evidence to be acquitted.
"The swiftness in this case is rather surprising. This case was decided so quickly that it didn't allow the club's representative to establish a legitimate defense. The club will not tolerate such an action, since we have always collaborated in telling the truth about the transfer of our player, Neymar Jr," can be read in the press release.
"FC Barcelona wants to transmit all of its associates that we will keep fighting to re-establish the good name of our entity. We will do so by respecting everything this club has always stood for, giving back to our associates all the glory they deserve on the pitch," the press release ends.
