Zimpapers Logo

SAO PAULO. — A court in Brazil has frozen assets of football star Neymar.

The federal court in Sao Paulo announced it was issuing warrants to freeze almost $50m worth of assets belonging to the Brazil and Barcelona striker. They include a yacht, a jet and several properties.

Neymar (23) is accused of tax evasion between 2011 and 2013 and faces legal proceedings. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Among the assets frozen are also three companies belonging to his family. Prosecutors accuse Neymar of setting up companies as fronts in order to pay a lower rate of tax.

They demand he pay 63.6 million reias ($16m) in allegedly undeclared taxes.

The court ordered his assets be frozen to ensure the payment plus any possible fines, it said. An auditor with the federal tax agency told the Associated Press news agency that Neymar could still appeal the decision and that he was unlikely to face jail.

“If he pays what he owes, the case is closed,” the auditor added. “Our legislation isn’t too harsh.” — AFP.