Spain's Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of former FC Barcelona player Neymar and former club presidents Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu regarding their involvement in the 2013 transfer of the Brazilian forward.
The accusations came from investment fund DIS, which owned 40% of Neymar's economic rights and claimed that the transfer dealt unfairly reduced their share. However, the court found "inconsistencies in the accusations" and ruled that the agreements were sporting matters, not criminal offenses. According to El País Deportes, the sums Barcelona paid were for future rights and did not involve fraudulent intent.
DIS received €6.8 million as part of their share of the transfer fee, while Barcelona paid Santos €25 million: €17.1 million for the transfer plus €7.9 million for contractual options. The court clarified that while DIS held economic rights, it did not own federative rights which govern player transfers. The disputed contracts and timing were deemed not to indicate criminal wrongdoing; any breach of contract is a civil matter, not criminal.
Analytically, this decision removes heavy legal pressure from Barcelona's leadership, improving financial security and preventing further costly litigation. It strengthens the club's legal framework for handling transfers, even those involving complex rights ownership. For fans, it signals that the club operates within legal boundaries and defends its interests effectively.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court's ruling closes one of Barcelona's most high-profile legal battles, reinforcing the club's reputation as a serious and law-abiding participant in the football transfer market.
