Santos want a 6-month ban for Neymar over his sketchy transfer to Barcelona

Neymar and Barcelona are under FIFA’s scrutiny again

Brazilian side Santos have reportedly asked FIFA to hand their former player Neymar a six month ban. The request has been made in accordance with the irregularities in the forward’s transfer from the Brazilian club to Barcelona.

The Camp Nou outfit have faced a lengthy legal battle over Neymar’s transfer issues. It had previously led to the resignation of Sandro Rosell from his position as president of the Catalan club in January 2014. Santos have alleged that they should have received more money than the €17.1 million they were paid two years ago after being misled by the Catalans.

Santos president Modesto Roma Jr reiterated his club’s demands by telling cope.es that the club had already filed a case in May. He mentioned that despite the fact that Neymar is an idol, they are seeking help from FIFA because there are issues in which both the parties are not in complete agreement.

He added that it is clear from the sentencings in Brazilian and Spanish courts that the transfer was not transparent. They also believe FIFA should interfere in the case and pass a fair judgment.

Santos also seeking €55 million in damages

According to Brazilian website O Globo, the club are seeking a six-month ban for the player and €55 million in damages. Santos claims that Neymar has infringed Article 62 of the Disciplinary Code of FIFA, which deals with corruption.

Also, the flamboyant Brazilian is accused of breaching the Article 17 of FIFA transfer rules related to the consequences of terminating a contract without due cause. The punishment for such an offence can carry a ban of up to six months.

Wagner Ribeiro, who is one of Neymar’s agents, told UOL that Santos are not doing the right thing and that it is unconstitutional to stop someone from going about his duty. He said that he is not at all worried by the case and Neymar must be relaxed as well. He said that he will meet Neymar Sr. and evaluate the legalities of the case along with his legal team.

A Sao Paulo federal court said last month that Neymar Jr. is alleged to have evaded 63m reals in Brazil taxes (almost $16m) between 2011 and 2013. Such incidents further soil Barcelona’s image, as the club is already facing a transfer ban, and two other players, Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are also facing trials for tax fraud cases of their own.

O Globo reported that there was a minor setback for Santos as well. Initially, the case was filed against Neymar Jr and Barcelona along with Neymar Sr and his company, Neymar Sport and Marketing. FIFA interfered and excluded both Neymar’s father and his company. As a result it is only Barcelona and Neymar Jr. on the radar.