Barcelona sues Neymar for €8.5m over breach of contract

Barcelona are suing Neymar for €8.5m (£7.8m) for
alleged breach of contract and are demanding the
return of a loyalty bonus as the fall out continues
from his world record transfer to Paris St Germain.
The Brazilian forward signed a new five-year deal
with Barcelona in 2016, but the club was powerless
to stop his move to France just a year later because
the French club met the buyout clause in his
contract.
In a statement, Barcelona said: "In this lawsuit, the
club demands the amount already paid as a bonus
for the renewal of his contract for breach of
contract, €8.5m in damages, and an additional 10% in
interests.
"Barcelona have taken these actions in defence of
their interests, after Neymar's contract was rescinded
just a few months after he signed on until 2021."
The club said it had lodged the demand against
Neymar on 11 August with Barcelona's employment
court, eight days after his move to Ligue 1.
The Catalan side has also passed the claim on to
FIFA and the French Football Federation to take
what it sees as "the appropriate legal effects".
Neymar's family responded to the legal action. In a
statement released by NN Consultoria, they said:
"This news was received with surprise given that the
player fully respected the contract valid at the time.
"As for the bonuses owed for the signature of the
contract in 2016, stipulated in the contract and not
paid by FC Barcelona... (Neymar) has already started
formal proceedings to recover the money before the
competent court."
PSG added it was "surprised" by the move.
A statement said: "Paris Saint-Germain reiterates
that, like Neymar Jr, it has always respected all
applicable laws and rules in its dealings and, once
again, regrets the attitude of FC Barcelona."
It comes two days after Neymar criticised
Barcelona's under-fire board after scoring twice in his
home debut for PSG.
The French side beat Toulouse 6-2 on Sunday.
Neymar told reporters: "There are people in charge
that shouldn't be there. Barca deserves much more
and everyone knows that."
Barcelona has also withheld a €26m bonus due to the
striker for signing the renewal to his contract last
year.
Josep Vives, a spokesman for the club, said on 4
August: "The player hasn't fulfilled his contract with
the club... given that breach the club will not pay this
renewal bonus."
PSG signed Neymar for a world record €222m
(£203m) earlier this month.

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