Spanish prosecutors on Friday dropped all fraud and corruption charges against Brazil forward Neymar and other accused over his transfer to Barcelona from Santos in 2013, the public prosecutor told a court.

Prosecutors wanted a two-year prison term for Neymar and the payment of a 10 million euros ($9.95 million) fine.

A source close to the Neymar family told Reuters that their legal representatives Baker Mckenzie would claim costs against the private prosecution for what they consider recklessness, acting in poor faith and for abuse of process. They will also reserve the right to claim for damages.

Spanish prosecutors on Friday dropped all fraud and corruption charges against Brazil forward Neymar and other accused over his transfer to Barcelona from Santos in 2013, the public prosecutor told a court.

Spanish prosecutors on Friday dropped all fraud and corruption charges against Brazil forward Neymar and other accused over his transfer to Barcelona from Santos in 2013, the public prosecutor told a court. Prosecutors wanted a two-year prison term for Neymar and the payment of a 10 million euros ($9.95 million) fine. A source close to the Neymar family told Reuters that their legal representatives Baker Mckenzie would claim costs against the private prosecution for what they consider recklessness, acting in poor faith and for abuse of process. They will also reserve the right to claim for damages.

Big relief for Neymar! Spanish public prosecutor drops charges against Brazil striker and other accused

Neymar only signed documents his father gave him and did nothing illegal, the Brazil superstar told a Spanish court Tuesday where he is on trial for alleged irregularities over his transfer to Barcelona nearly a decade ago.

"My father has always been in charge" of contract negotiations, the 30-year-old told the Barcelona court hearing the case. "I sign what he tells me to." The trial is the culmination of a years-long legal saga over his 2013 transfer, with Neymar one of nine defendants in the dock on corruption-related charges, among them his parents and their N&amp;N company, which manages his affairs.

The proceedings began barely a month before the November 20 start of the World Cup, at which Neymar is expected to play a key role for Brazil.&nbsp; Dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, the footballer said he didn't remember if he participated in talks leading to a pre-contract deal with Barcelona in 2011 ahead of his transfer two years later from the Brazilian club Santos.

He said he had always dreamed of playing for Barca so he had prioritised their offer over that of other clubs, such as Real Madrid.&nbsp;

"Neymar never takes part in the negotiations," his father Neymar Da Silva Santos told the court.&nbsp;

If convicted, prosecutors have called for a two-year jail term and a 10-million-euro ($9.7 million) fine for the footballer who since 2017 has played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).&nbsp;

Prison terms of two years or less are never enforced in Spain for a first-time offender.

<h2>- Complicity to defraud -</h2>

Investigators began probing the transfer after a 2015 complaint filed by DIS, a Brazilian company that owned 40 percent of the player's sporting rights when he was at Santos.

The firm claims that Neymar, Barcelona and the Brazilian club colluded to mask the true cost of his transfer thereby defrauding it of its legitimate financial interests.&nbsp; Barca said the transfer was valued at 57.1 million euros, with 40 million euros paid to N&amp;N and 17.1 million to Santos, of which 6.8 million was given to DIS.

Spanish prosecutors believe the actual value was at least 83 million euros. Neymar had originally been due to testify later in the month but the court agreed to bring forward his appearance in order to avoid a clash with his busy PSG schedule.&nbsp; After testifying, the court agreed Neymar and his family could return to Paris immediately and take part in the trial's conclusion, expected on October 31,&nbsp;by video conference.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-star-neymar-arrives-at-barcelona-court-to-face-trial-on-fraud-and-corruption-charges-over-2013-transfer-526086">Brazil star Neymar arrives at Barcelona court to face trial on fraud and corruption charges over 2013 transfer</a>

The PSG forward, who scored the only goal of their Ligue 1 match against Marseille on Sunday night, had spent two hours in court on Monday for the opening of the trial but was excused by the judge to allow him time to rest.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Not my responsibility' -</h2>

DIS also claims financial harm from the 2011 pre-contract agreement with Barca saying it had impeded other clubs from making offers and affected the value of the transfer fee. But Neymar Sr told the court the talks had been authorised by the Brazilian club at the time and that "it was Santos' responsibility" to inform DIS, and not his.&nbsp;

Other defendants in the dock include two former Barca presidents, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, and ex-Santos boss Odilio Rodrigues Filho. DIS is seeking to recover 35 million euros.

Neymar's lawyers insist their client is innocent, saying the 40-million-euro payment from Barca was a "legal signing bonus which is normal in the football transfer market". The footballer is having one of his best seasons since he joined PSG. His Sunday night goal against Marseille was his ninth league goal of the season, and he has seven assists in 11 Ligue 1 matches.

Neymar is expected to play a key role for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar, as the South American giants seek to win the trophy for the first time since 2002, and the sixth in total.&nbsp; He will lead the Selecao into their Group G opener against Serbia on November 24.&nbsp;

Neymar only signed documents his father gave him and did nothing illegal, the Brazil superstar told a Spanish court Tuesday where he is on trial for alleged irregularities over his transfer to Barcelona nearly a decade ago.

Neymar only signed documents his father gave him and did nothing illegal, the Brazil superstar told a Spanish court Tuesday where he is on trial for alleged irregularities over his transfer to Barcelona nearly a decade ago. "My father has always been in charge" of contract negotiations, the 30-year-old told the Barcelona court hearing the case. "I sign what he tells me to." The trial is the culmination of a years-long legal saga over his 2013 transfer, with Neymar one of nine defendants in the dock on corruption-related charges, among them his parents and their N&N company, which manages his affairs. The proceedings began barely a month before the November 20 start of the World Cup, at which Neymar is expected to play a key role for Brazil. Dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, the footballer said he didn't remember if he participated in talks leading to a pre-contract deal with Barcelona in 2011 ahead of his transfer two years later from the Brazilian club Santos. He said he had always dreamed of playing for Barca so he had prioritised their offer over that of other clubs, such as Real Madrid. "Neymar never takes part in the negotiations," his father Neymar Da Silva Santos told the court. If convicted, prosecutors have called for a two-year jail term and a 10-million-euro ($9.7 million) fine for the footballer who since 2017 has played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Prison terms of two years or less are never enforced in Spain for a first-time offender. - Complicity to defraud - Investigators began probing the transfer after a 2015 complaint filed by DIS, a Brazilian company that owned 40 percent of the player's sporting rights when he was at Santos. The firm claims that Neymar, Barcelona and the Brazilian club colluded to mask the true cost of his transfer thereby defrauding it of its legitimate financial interests. Barca said the transfer was valued at 57.1 million euros, with 40 million euros paid to N&N and 17.1 million to Santos, of which 6.8 million was given to DIS. Spanish prosecutors believe the actual value was at least 83 million euros. Neymar had originally been due to testify later in the month but the court agreed to bring forward his appearance in order to avoid a clash with his busy PSG schedule. After testifying, the court agreed Neymar and his family could return to Paris immediately and take part in the trial's conclusion, expected on October 31, by video conference. ALSO READ | Brazil star Neymar arrives at Barcelona court to face trial on fraud and corruption charges over 2013 transfer The PSG forward, who scored the only goal of their Ligue 1 match against Marseille on Sunday night, had spent two hours in court on Monday for the opening of the trial but was excused by the judge to allow him time to rest. - 'Not my responsibility' - DIS also claims financial harm from the 2011 pre-contract agreement with Barca saying it had impeded other clubs from making offers and affected the value of the transfer fee. But Neymar Sr told the court the talks had been authorised by the Brazilian club at the time and that "it was Santos' responsibility" to inform DIS, and not his. Other defendants in the dock include two former Barca presidents, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, and ex-Santos boss Odilio Rodrigues Filho. DIS is seeking to recover 35 million euros. Neymar's lawyers insist their client is innocent, saying the 40-million-euro payment from Barca was a "legal signing bonus which is normal in the football transfer market". The footballer is having one of his best seasons since he joined PSG. His Sunday night goal against Marseille was his ninth league goal of the season, and he has seven assists in 11 Ligue 1 matches. Neymar is expected to play a key role for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar, as the South American giants seek to win the trophy for the first time since 2002, and the sixth in total. He will lead the Selecao into their Group G opener against Serbia on November 24.

Brazil striker Neymar denies wrongdoing in court over Barcelona transfer

World's largest sportswear maker, Nike Inc, had called off its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar last year. And now, they have revealed the reason behind ending the deal with the Brazilian winger.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/football-from-messi-to-lewandowski-single-season-top-scorers-in-europes-five-main-leagues-386876" hreflang="en">Football: From Messi to Lewandowski: Single season top-scorers in Europe's five main leagues</a>

Nike in a statement said that Neymar refused to cooperate in an investigation into sexual assault allegations levelled against him by a Nike employee.

In a statement, Nike said that the allegations about an incident in 2016 as "credible" but also said an independent investigation it commissioned was inconclusive.

"No single set of facts emerged that would enable us to speak substantively on the matter. It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts," the statement said.

However, Neymar's spokeswoman stated that the football star denies all the allegations and said that her client will defend himself if any claim is presented.&nbsp;

"It is very strange a case that was supposed to have happened in 2016, with allegations by a Nike employee, come to light only at that moment," her statement said.

Neymar had signed a 15-year deal with Nike, however, the deal was terminated with eight years remaining.

World's largest sportswear maker, Nike Inc, had called off its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar last year. And now, they have revealed the reason behind ending the deal with the Brazilian winger.

World's largest sportswear maker, Nike Inc, had called off its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar last year. And now, they have revealed the reason behind ending the deal with the Brazilian winger. ALSO READ: Football: From Messi to Lewandowski: Single season top-scorers in Europe's five main leagues Nike in a statement said that Neymar refused to cooperate in an investigation into sexual assault allegations levelled against him by a Nike employee. In a statement, Nike said that the allegations about an incident in 2016 as "credible" but also said an independent investigation it commissioned was inconclusive. "No single set of facts emerged that would enable us to speak substantively on the matter. It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts," the statement said. However, Neymar's spokeswoman stated that the football star denies all the allegations and said that her client will defend himself if any claim is presented. "It is very strange a case that was supposed to have happened in 2016, with allegations by a Nike employee, come to light only at that moment," her statement said. Neymar had signed a 15-year deal with Nike, however, the deal was terminated with eight years remaining.

Major sports brand reveals reason behind dropping football star Neymar

Brazilian prosecutors said Wednesday they were&nbsp;investigating reports that football star Neymar has organized a New Year's Eve mega-party at his luxury home near Rio de Janeiro, despite public health measures to curb rising coronavirus deaths.

Sources close to the striker denied he had plans to host such an extravaganza, while the Paris Saint-German player added to the mystery by simply posting pictures of himself with a friend on a yacht off a beach in the southern state of Santa Catarina.&nbsp;

The Rio Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that it had opened an investigation after receiving "several claims, based on information released by the press, about the events sponsored by the player Neymar."&nbsp;

The prosecutor's office also urged Neymar, as well as the exclusive community where his mansion is located and another neighboring residential complex, to urgently provide clarifications as to "the number of guests, the organization of parties and any health measures they might have put in place."

One of Neymar's assistants told AFP he had did not know whether the player will see in 2021 in his luxury mansion in Mangaratiba, a small town 130 km (85 miles) from Rio, or if he will stay in Santa Catarina.&nbsp;

Media reports about a planned party attended by between 150 and 500 people triggered a wave of criticism at a time when scientists in Brazil, one of the worst-hit countries in the world, are pushing for social distancing and isolation to avoid worsening a pandemic that has already cost some 194,000 lives there.

Such a party would not, however, be illegal, since the state of Rio de Janeiro has not banned parties in private residences and the Mangaratiba city council admitted it did not have the power to intervene.&nbsp;

The AFP flew over the area where the mansion is located on Wednesday, without observing any signs of party preparations on the grounds.&nbsp;

Neymar bought the mansion in 2016 and according to media reports, the 10,000 square meter property features a helipad, tennis courts, a spa, a sauna, a massage room, a gym and areas for food and drinks.

Brazilian prosecutors said Wednesday they were investigating reports that football star Neymar has organized a New Year's Eve mega-party at his luxury home near Rio de Janeiro, despite public health measures to curb rising coronavirus deaths.

Brazilian prosecutors said Wednesday they were investigating reports that football star Neymar has organized a New Year's Eve mega-party at his luxury home near Rio de Janeiro, despite public health measures to curb rising coronavirus deaths. Sources close to the striker denied he had plans to host such an extravaganza, while the Paris Saint-German player added to the mystery by simply posting pictures of himself with a friend on a yacht off a beach in the southern state of Santa Catarina. The Rio Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that it had opened an investigation after receiving "several claims, based on information released by the press, about the events sponsored by the player Neymar." The prosecutor's office also urged Neymar, as well as the exclusive community where his mansion is located and another neighboring residential complex, to urgently provide clarifications as to "the number of guests, the organization of parties and any health measures they might have put in place." One of Neymar's assistants told AFP he had did not know whether the player will see in 2021 in his luxury mansion in Mangaratiba, a small town 130 km (85 miles) from Rio, or if he will stay in Santa Catarina. Media reports about a planned party attended by between 150 and 500 people triggered a wave of criticism at a time when scientists in Brazil, one of the worst-hit countries in the world, are pushing for social distancing and isolation to avoid worsening a pandemic that has already cost some 194,000 lives there. Such a party would not, however, be illegal, since the state of Rio de Janeiro has not banned parties in private residences and the Mangaratiba city council admitted it did not have the power to intervene. The AFP flew over the area where the mansion is located on Wednesday, without observing any signs of party preparations on the grounds. Neymar bought the mansion in 2016 and according to media reports, the 10,000 square meter property features a helipad, tennis courts, a spa, a sauna, a massage room, a gym and areas for food and drinks.

Brazil prosecutors investigate alleged Neymar New Years party

An end-of-year party for 150 people attended by Brazilian soccer star Neymar is drawing scrutiny from local prosecutors, but the town where it is being held said on Wednesday it cannot do anything to prevent the bash from taking place.

Brazilian media said the Paris Saint Germain striker was the host of the five-day-long party in Mangaratiba, a beachside town around 105 km (65 miles) from Rio de Janeiro but his public relations team was quoted by one newspaper as saying he was only a guest.

Newspapers on Wednesday said guests had started arriving at the luxury condominium where the player owns property.

Reports said he had bought a disused hangar for the event and required all guests to give up their cell phones to prevent photos and videos leaking online.

The 28-year old has received widespread condemnation for the event, many of them Brazilian celebrities.

However, the mayor’s office in Mangaratiba said it cannot legislate private parties, adding “in the middle of a pandemic it is a question of each citizen’s responsibility and good sense” whether to host parties or attend big gatherings.

The pandemic has killed more than 192,000 people in Brazil, a higher death toll than in any other country bar the United States. On Tuesday alone, 1,111 people were reported to have died from COVID-19, the Health Ministry said.

The city of Rio de Janeiro, where millions of people gather each year on Copacabana beach to watch the world famous firework display every New Year's Eve, has cancelled this year’s event.

And state prosecutors said they were “analyzing” what measures to take over the party if any.

Neymar did not immediately respond to requests for comment but the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper said his PR team described him as merely a guest at the event, not the host.

An end-of-year party for 150 people attended by Brazilian soccer star Neymar is drawing scrutiny from local prosecutors, but the town where it is being held said on Wednesday it cannot do anything to prevent the bash from taking place.

An end-of-year party for 150 people attended by Brazilian soccer star Neymar is drawing scrutiny from local prosecutors, but the town where it is being held said on Wednesday it cannot do anything to prevent the bash from taking place. Brazilian media said the Paris Saint Germain striker was the host of the five-day-long party in Mangaratiba, a beachside town around 105 km (65 miles) from Rio de Janeiro but his public relations team was quoted by one newspaper as saying he was only a guest. Newspapers on Wednesday said guests had started arriving at the luxury condominium where the player owns property. Reports said he had bought a disused hangar for the event and required all guests to give up their cell phones to prevent photos and videos leaking online. The 28-year old has received widespread condemnation for the event, many of them Brazilian celebrities. However, the mayor’s office in Mangaratiba said it cannot legislate private parties, adding “in the middle of a pandemic it is a question of each citizen’s responsibility and good sense” whether to host parties or attend big gatherings. The pandemic has killed more than 192,000 people in Brazil, a higher death toll than in any other country bar the United States. On Tuesday alone, 1,111 people were reported to have died from COVID-19, the Health Ministry said. The city of Rio de Janeiro, where millions of people gather each year on Copacabana beach to watch the world famous firework display every New Year's Eve, has cancelled this year’s event. And state prosecutors said they were “analyzing” what measures to take over the party if any. Neymar did not immediately respond to requests for comment but the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper said his PR team described him as merely a guest at the event, not the host.

Authorities say they're powerless to halt Neymar party

Brazil's star footballer Neymar is at the center of a new controversy after several Brazilian media reported that he's organizing a huge New Year's Eve party despite the coronavirus pandemic, a claim his lawyers denied.

Acelmo Goes, a columnist for the O Globo newspaper, wrote that the Paris Saint-Germain forward is hosting 500 people for a week-long party at his luxury beachside mansion near Rio de Janeiro that started on Saturday and will last until New Year's Day.

Neymar, who is no stranger to controversies over his parties, allegedly even installed soundproofing equipment to try to avoid bothering his neighbors.

Leo Dias, a columnist for the Metropoles website who is renowned for his scoops on celebrities, even named the artists due to perform at Neymar's party, such as Ludmilla and Wesley Safadao.

Guests' mobile phones are allegedly due to be confiscated on the door to prevent any evidence finding its way onto social media.

Brazil has suffered the second-largest number of Covid-19 related deaths in the world with more than 191,000, while 7.4 million people have contracted the virus.

A specialist events agency, Agencia Fabrica, released a statement confirming it had been contracted for a New Year's event in the Costa Verde region where Neymar's villa is located "that will host around 150 people... while respecting all the health rules determined by the public bodies."

But Neymar's lawyers denied a party had been planned or that the Agencia Fabrica event was related to the football star.

"No! This is a Fabrica event. It is not related to Neymar," they told AFP.

Neymar's villa is in Mangaratiba, a small town in an area of luxury seaside resorts in Rio de Janeiro state.

The local town hall has pleaded with its 41,000 inhabitants not to hold end of year parties and has erected barriers to prevent people congregating.

"We don't have any information about this party," the town hall said in a statement sent to AFP.

Neymar, who hasn't played since December 13 when he injured his ankle against Lyon, hasn't commented on the party and in recent days has posted pictures of his family on social media without commentaries.

His Mangaratiba mansion is located on a 10,000 square-meter (107,600 square feet) plot of land that includes a heliport, sports pitches, spa, sauna, massage parlor, gymnasium and dining areas.

It's where he previously spent his time recovering from injuries and also where he headed from March to June when the coronavirus was raging in France leading to the suspension of professional football.

Brazil's star footballer Neymar is at the center of a new controversy after several Brazilian media reported that he's organizing a huge New Year's Eve party despite the coronavirus pandemic, a claim his lawyers denied.

Brazil's star footballer Neymar is at the center of a new controversy after several Brazilian media reported that he's organizing a huge New Year's Eve party despite the coronavirus pandemic, a claim his lawyers denied. Acelmo Goes, a columnist for the O Globo newspaper, wrote that the Paris Saint-Germain forward is hosting 500 people for a week-long party at his luxury beachside mansion near Rio de Janeiro that started on Saturday and will last until New Year's Day. Neymar, who is no stranger to controversies over his parties, allegedly even installed soundproofing equipment to try to avoid bothering his neighbors. Leo Dias, a columnist for the Metropoles website who is renowned for his scoops on celebrities, even named the artists due to perform at Neymar's party, such as Ludmilla and Wesley Safadao. Guests' mobile phones are allegedly due to be confiscated on the door to prevent any evidence finding its way onto social media. Brazil has suffered the second-largest number of Covid-19 related deaths in the world with more than 191,000, while 7.4 million people have contracted the virus. A specialist events agency, Agencia Fabrica, released a statement confirming it had been contracted for a New Year's event in the Costa Verde region where Neymar's villa is located "that will host around 150 people... while respecting all the health rules determined by the public bodies." But Neymar's lawyers denied a party had been planned or that the Agencia Fabrica event was related to the football star. "No! This is a Fabrica event. It is not related to Neymar," they told AFP. Neymar's villa is in Mangaratiba, a small town in an area of luxury seaside resorts in Rio de Janeiro state. The local town hall has pleaded with its 41,000 inhabitants not to hold end of year parties and has erected barriers to prevent people congregating. "We don't have any information about this party," the town hall said in a statement sent to AFP. Neymar, who hasn't played since December 13 when he injured his ankle against Lyon, hasn't commented on the party and in recent days has posted pictures of his family on social media without commentaries. His Mangaratiba mansion is located on a 10,000 square-meter (107,600 square feet) plot of land that includes a heliport, sports pitches, spa, sauna, massage parlor, gymnasium and dining areas. It's where he previously spent his time recovering from injuries and also where he headed from March to June when the coronavirus was raging in France leading to the suspension of professional football.

Neymar in new controversy over New Year party rumors