23 Aug 2017

Barcelona sue Neymar

7:56 am on 23 August 2017

Barcelona are suing footballer Neymar for $15 million for alleged breach of contract and demanding he return a loyalty bonus.

Neymar was paid the bonus after he renewed his deal in October, less than a year before he signed for Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona are also asking for an additional 10 per cent payment due to a delay in their demands being met, after presenting the Brazilian striker with them on August 11th.

Neymar is introduced to PSG fans.

Neymar is introduced to PSG fans. Photo: Photosport

"Barcelona have taken these actions in defence of their interests, after Neymar's contract was rescinded just a few months after he signed on until 2021," a club statement said.

PSG signed Neymar for a world record $360 million in August, paying his release clause with Barcelona unwilling to negotiate the sale of one of their best players.

Barcelona have passed the complaint to the Spanish football federation after first filing the lawsuit in court, as well as demanding PSG subsidise it, should Neymar not be able to take responsibility for it.

In the days after he signed for the French club, Barcelona refused to pay the reported $40 million instalment of the loyalty bonus which he was due to receive this summer, citing breach of contract.

Earlier this week Neymar criticised the Barcelona board.

"I do have something to say, that I am disappointed with them (Barcelona directors)," he said.

"I spent four very happy years there and left happy, but not with them. For me they shouldn't be in charge of Barcelona. Barca deserve much better and everyone knows this."