Monday, 24th February, 2014
Barcelona insist they "owe nothing" to the Spanish treasury over allegations of tax fraud in the signing of Neymar, though contingency plans are also in the pipeline.
The La Liga champions are accused of avoiding tax obligations to the tune of €9.1m when they brought Neymar over from Santos last summer.
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Barcelona had already seen Sandro Rosell resign as president when allegations of fund misappropriation emerged over the same signing.
With public prosecutors set to take them on in relation to tax fraud, the club are keen to set out their views.
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They said in a statement today: "The club rejects [claims] it has committed a tax offence in connection with the fulfilment of tax obligations [over] player recruitment.
"The club was advised at all times and the auditor of the club was always informed and had access to all the procurement documents."
The statement went on to confirm their intention to fight the charges in court, and added: "FC Barcelona has always complied with their tax obligations in a timely manner, and has remained in compliance with the most strict collaboration with the Tax Administration. FC Barcelona owes nothing to the Treasury.
"The club reaffirms its conviction that, in connection with that transfer, it has scrupulously complied with their tax obligations to the state of knowledge at the time of the contract signing and business and in accordance with good faith."
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