Neymar will stand trial over fraud allegations

Business corruption and fraud charges against the Barcelona star will see him stand trial after proceedings were opened on Thursday

Barcelona star Neymar will stand trial on fraud and corruption charges, it was stated on Thursday, alongside his parents, current club Barcelona and former side Santos.

The Spanish National Court also ordered that Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the man he replaced in the role – Sandro Rosell – will be sent to trial.

The alleged "business corruption and fraud" offences relate to Neymar's transfer to Barcelona from Brazil-based side Santos in 2013. All parties involved deny any wrongdoing. 

Brazilian investment group DIS alleged it received less money than the 40 per cent it was entitled to from the disputed transfer fee and filed a lawsuit, which has resulted in a trial that will now go ahead after all appeal options were exhausted.

secutors want a two-year prison sentence for Neymar, although as he is a first-time offender that would be unlikely to result in jail time in the Spanish system.

They are also seeking fines of €10 million against the Neymar family.

Final appeals against the prosecution proceeding from the 25-year-old, his parents, Barca and Santos had been rejected in February, while Bartomeu's failed last week, prompting this court order. Bail has been set at €3.4m.