The arrival of the Brazilian star Neymar to the PSGfrom the Barcelonacaused in 2017 an earthquake in the foreign exchange market, but the Justice France is now investigating the most expensive transfer in football history for alleged tax favors.
Investigators searched the Ministry of Finance on Monday, in the presence of two investigating judges, in the context of a case “linked to PSG for corruption and influence peddling”indicated a judicial source to AFP.
The records, revealed Thursday by the media Mediapartare part of an investigation that began in September 2022 on the influence tactics attributed to the former communications director of the Parisian club, Jean-Martial Ribes57 years old.
Ribescharged on December 1 with a series of crimes, is suspected of having used his position to obtain sensitive information for the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)in exchange for gifts such as tickets to matches of the capital club.
The Justice he wonders if Hugues Rensonformer deputy of the French president’s alliance, Emmanuel Macrontried to obtain “tax advantages” for him PSGchaired by the Qatari Nasser Al Khelaifiduring the transfer of Neymar from the Barcelona.
The operation of 222 million euros (240 million dollars at the current exchange rate) became the most expensive transfer in the history of football and the press in France He then welcomed her with criticism about her “excess”.
Last August, the 31-year-old Brazilian forward put an end to his Parisian adventure, after years marked by injuries and extra-sporting issues, heading to the Saudi team. Al Hilal. In October he seriously injured his knee and will be out for several months.
The political background of Neymar’s signing to PSG investigated by Justice
Monday’s registration focused on the services of the General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFIP), led until recently by Jerome Fournelcurrent director of cabinet of the minister of the branch Bruno Le Maire.
In a report sent on November 21 to an investigating judge, consulted by the AFPresearchers point to a possible “influence peddling” by Rensona crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
According to this report that reviews 10 years of telephone messages from Ribesthe former communications director of the PSG requested “without a doubt (…) the services” of the also former vice president of the National Assembly.
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In return, Rensonwho now works for the electric company EDF, “benefited from numerous match tickets” of the PSGas well as other advantages, also during the period in which he was a deputy (2017-2002).
On July 24, 2017, the brand new deputy affirms that he raised a “PSG affair” –possibly the supervision of the transfer– to Gerald Darmaninthen Minister of Public Accounts and current head of the Interior.
Darmanina heavyweight of the current government, “he considers that it is fine (…) What matters is that the documents that we have mentioned are presented”write below to Ribes.
The minister then publicly rejoiced “the taxes that Neymar [podría] pay in France” and assured that their services would analyze the financial setup of the transfer.
On August 3, 2017, the historic agreement was reached and announced. One day later, “Renson thanks Ribes”according to the report, in reference to the fact that his children accompanied the players of the PSG before a game in Princes Park.
According to a source close to the negotiation, “There is nothing wrong with a company approaching a government to discuss the tax treatment of a major transaction.”
Source: Ambito
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