The case stems from a complaint filed by DIS, which owned 40% of Neymar’s rights while he was at Santos. The company claims it was cheated out of its rightful share of the transfer because the true value of the transaction was understated.
Neymar, a key member of Brazil’s World Cup team that will compete in Qatar next month, has denied the allegations but lost an appeal in Spain’s High Court in 2017, paving the way for the trial.
The player is neither a service nor a product. He is a free person, he added, adding that Santos gave Neymar written permission to negotiate with other clubs in 2011.
The court in Barcelona where the trial will be held stated that Neymar must appear in person on Monday for the first day, but it is unclear if he will be required to stay for the entire hearing, which could last two weeks.
Next Friday, Neymar, his parents, Rosell, and Bartomeu will begin their testimony.
Neymar is facing a five-year prison sentence in his corruption and fraud trial.
By tirupatinews
