MADRID: Spain’s prosecutor has called the club to be fined €22.2 million for alleged false accounting in the tax returns for 2011, 2013 and 2014.The prosecutor also asked the National Court to open a trial against Barcelona football club for alleged tax evasion. .In a statement, the prosecutor called for jail terms of more than two years for the club’s current president Josep Bartomeu, and more than seven years for his predecessor, Alexandre “Sandro” Rosell, as well as the imposition of large fines.
On March 13, investigating judge Pablo Ruz had named Bartomeu and Rosell in a tax fraud and fraudulent administration probe into the 2013 signing of the Brazilian star.The judge alleged the club and its management fabricated a labyrinth of contracts to conceal the real cost of the signing.
The prosecutor has agreed with Mr Ruz that Barcelona paid at least €84 million for Neymar, and that by presenting a lower figure the club allegedly reduced its tax burden in a fraudulent manner.The club insists the cost was €57 million. Barcelona has denied any wrongdoing and, shortly after hearing of Mr Ruz’s decision, said it would appeal.
