Barcelona have entered into the legal arena with Neymar over an alleged breach of contract by the Brazilian.
The issue relates to the €8.5 million that Barcelona paid Neymar in his new contract that he signed in October 2016. That was of course before he left for Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer.
FC Barcelona has sent the Spanish Football Federation the labour lawsuit against Neymar Jr they submitted on 11 August at the Labour Tribunal in Barcelona so that they can pass it on to the appropriate authorities in the French Football Federation and FIFA.
In the lawsuit, the Club demands the player return the already paid sum for his contract renewal as he has not completed his contract; 8.5 million euros in damages; and an additional 10% because of delayed payment. The Club also requests Paris Saint-Germain take on responsibility for the payment of these fees if the player cannot do so himself.
FC Barcelona has started these proceedings to protect its interests following Neymar’s decision to buy out his contract just months after he signed an extension until 2021. This legal defence will be carried out following the established procedures with the competent authorities without entering into any verbal arguments with the player.
Neymar, for his part, was critical of the Barcelona board after starring for PSG in their win over Toulouse on Sunday.
“I do have something to say, that I am disappointed with them (Barcelona directors).”
“I spent four very happy years there and left happy, but not with them. For me they shouldn’t be in charge of Barcelona. Barca deserve much better and everyone knows this.”