French authorities intensify investigations into Neymar

French authorities conducted a search at the offices of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance on Monday, marking a significant development in an ongoing investigation into suspected favors granted to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the £200 million transfer of Neymar Jr from Barcelona in 2017.

The Brazil international, who initially rose to prominence at Barcelona, made a high-profile move to PSG in a world-record deal. After a successful stint at Parc des Princes, Neymar, now 31, recently transferred to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

According to reports from French outlet Mediapart, Neymar’s initial transfer has come under scrutiny as part of a broader investigation into influence peddling that commenced in September 2022.

The focus of the inquiry involves the club’s former communications director, Jean-Martial Ribes, who allegedly sought advice from then-Vice President of the National Assembly, Hugues Renson, regarding potential “tax advantages” associated with the high-profile transfer.

Renson reportedly consulted with former Minister of Public Accounts, Gerald Darmanin, to assess the taxation implications of the Neymar deal. Ribes, accused of leveraging his position at the club for both PSG and personal gain, resigned from his role in 2022 amid the escalating controversy.

Monday’s investigation, led by France’s Central Office for the Fight against Corruption and Fiscal Fraud within the General Directorate of Public Finances, was conducted in the presence of investigating magistrates Vincent Lemonier and Serge Tournaire.