Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly suing his former club Barcelona for 5.55 million GBP making it his third lawsuit against the Spanish club giants.
According to Spanish newspaper ‘El Mundo’ Neymar, 28, is suing Barcelona to the tune of 6.5 million EUR (5.55 million GBP).
The lawsuit reportedly comes after Neymar was forced to pay “contingency income tax” to the Spanish tax office after signing “fictitious contracts” with Barcelona in his move the club from Santos in 2013.
A contingency tax is a one-off tax the government can impose to pay for a specific problem or economic issue.
When the Spanish tax office discovered the fictitious contracts, it was deemed they were still wages for the winger which lead to Neymar paying the additional 6.5 million EUR in tax which he is now suing Barcelona for.
Local media report Barcelona do not plan on paying the amount, however, they do not intend to file a counter lawsuit either. It is unclear if there will be a trial.
Neymar’s latest lawsuit against Barcelona marks his third since leaving the club in August of 2017 to move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The Brazil international’s first lawsuit was for a reported 26 million EUR (22.26 million GBP) over an unpaid loyalty bonus he claimed to have in his contract.
Three months ago the PSG winger sued Barcelona for 3.5 million EUR (2.99 million GBP) over issues with his wages.
It is unclear what the status of the other lawsuits are.
Barcelona former vice president Jordi Mestre recently said Neymar would “have to do an act of contrition, withdraw the lawsuit against the club, whip himself, ask for forgiveness, admit his mistake and of course live an almost monastic life” if he were to play for the club again.
He said: “We have all made mistakes in life and who would not have liked to be given a second opportunity.”
PSG triggered Neymar’s 222 million EUR (190 million GBP) buyout clause making him the most expensive player in football history.
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