Barcelona president questioned in court over Neymar transfer

Barcelona president questioned in court over Neymar transfer

Published Feb. 13, 2015 9:44 a.m. ET
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Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu is answering questions before a National Court judge in Madrid, after becoming a suspect in a tax fraud probe linked to the signing of striker Neymar.

Bartomeu arrived in court on Friday accompanied by a legal representative, while dozens of press reporters and photographers lined the street to get a glimpse.

The citation arises from a request by State Prosecutor Jose Perals that judge Pablo Ruz investigate Bartomeu and the club over an alleged fraud committed in the signing of Neymar.

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Ruz is trying to determine whether Bartomeu, as club president, defrauded Spain's Tax Office of 2.8 million euros ($3.2 million) as part of the deal.

Neymar's transfer fee has been under scrutiny since his presentation at the Camp Nou on June 3, 2013.

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