Joe Duggan (Reporter)
BARCELONA are to appeal a judge’s ruling that Neymar should face trial for corruption.
The Brazil star’s case had been dismissed, but was reopened on Monday by investment fund DIS, which claims it is owed up to €30 million from Neymar’s 2013 move from Santos to Barcelona.
The company, which owned 40% of the 24-year-old’s transfer rights, says part of the transfer fee was hidden, but Barcelona have hit back.
“The board of directors have decided to appeal against the interlocutory judgement made by judge Jose de la Mata in Madrid,” read a club statement.
“If the judicial action starts, FC Barcelona will maintain the argument that it has defended throughout this process to maintain the innocence of those who are being investigated.”
The court case could see a number of high-profile Barcelona figures hauled into the dock, including president Josep Maria Bartomeu and former president Sandro Rosell.
