FIFPro "demanded an investigation" into "anti-competitive, unjustified and illegal" FIFA transfer rules after Neymar's world-record £198M ($258M) move to Paris St. Germain, according to the PA. The 25-year-old forward signed a five-year deal with PSG after the club "paid to secure an early release" from his Barcelona contract. Barça "passed the details of the transaction to UEFA" hoping to determine whether there are any "disciplinary responsibilities" concerning Financial Fair Play. On Friday, FIFPro General Secretary Theo van Seggelen "bemoaned" what he sees as a drift toward dominance of world football by "a select group of rich, mostly European-based clubs." In a statement, he said, "FIFPro is calling on the European Commission to investigate the flow of money via transfer fees within the EU territory to understand their impact on competitive balance in the region" (PA, 8/4). OMNISPORT reported van Seggelen claimed that the "competitive balance" in Europe is being eroded by a "distorted market," with Neymar's "eye-watering fee a prime example." He said, "Given much of football's financial activity occurs within Europe, where significant transfer fees are exchanged between clubs, FIFPro is asking the European Commission to launch of thorough investigation of the transfer rules it approved in 2001 and which are now in need of urgent review" (OMNISPORT, 8/4).
THE TURNING POINT: In London, Peter Wilson reported the "saga" of Neymar's transfer "took a twist" when the player's father said that Barcelona "lost his support to retain his son when they refused to pay a bonus for signing a new contract last year." Neymar Sr. said that he had "lost faith in the Barcelona board" when it failed to pay a £23.3M ($30.4M) bonus when it was due last week. He said, "Until that moment I was on Barcelona's side trying to convince Neymar to stay, but with the attitude of the board I couldn't be on their side because the contract is explicit and clear." However, Neymar Sr. stressed that the decision to move "had been his son's." He said, "I think he has been very brave; he had the right to take this decision" (SUNDAY TIMES, 8/6). MARCA reported while stating that his son "would find it easier to win the Ballon d'Or with the help of his old Barcelona teammates," Neymar's father "opened up on the player's relationship" with Lionel Messi. Neymar Sr.: "Imagine a place where you are the protagonist of a club, where you are the idol of that club and everyone wants to transform you into the star that you do not want to be. Messi is the star and will always be the star. Imagine that everyone said that [Neymar] has to be [Messi's] substitute, he does not want to be his substitute. You have to leave Messi, he is the idol [at Barcelona]" (MARCA, 8/5).
LIGHT SHOW: In London, Robert Cottingham reported Neymar "was treated to a truly Parisien welcome on Saturday night" as the Eiffel Tower was lit up in the Brazilian's honor. The "iconic Paris landmark" was cast in PSG red and blue "and dazzled with a twinkling display of lights" as the French capital embraced its new star. A screen attached to the tower displayed the message, "Welcome Neymar Jr."
Neymar was "denied the chance to make his PSG debut on Saturday after La Liga officials failed to send over the necessary paperwork" to French league officials in time to register him. PSG Manager Unai Emery suggested after the game that La Liga was "to blame" for Neymar's missed debut, saying, "All I know is that the club did everything to have the player's transfer ratified" (
DAILY MAIL, 8/5).
SANTOS SPEAKS OUT: In Madrid, Xavi Hernández reported Neymar's transfer "is causing an uproar in Brazil" as Brasileiro side Santos is "reportedly seeking a percentage" of his transfer fee. Not only is his former club looking for 5% of the amount being sent Barcelona's way, which would be €8.9M ($10.5M), but it is also demanding €4.5M ($5.3M) for the "supposed non-completion of a contract clause" which required two friendly matches to be played between the Catalan and São Paulo clubs. Barcelona believes that the 5% stipulated by FIFA for development compensation is "only to be paid in the case of a transfer, which is not applicable since PSG gave Neymar the money to buy out his contract" (MARCA, 8/6).
'THE RIGHT TIME': In London, Aarons & Laurens reported Neymar dismissed suggestions his move "was motivated by money" and instead insisted he moved to the French capital for "a new challenge." A little more than 12 hours after his transfer from Barcelona was confirmed, the Brazilian was introduced as a PSG player on Friday. Waiting for "a glimpse of their new star, hundreds of PSG fans had thronged the streets outside the stadium throughout the morning." Neymar: "I wanted something bigger, a bigger challenge. This was about ambition. My heart told me it was time to sign for Paris St. Germain. It was the right time to leave Barcelona. I was never motivated by money. I thought above all else about the happiness of my family, regardless of money. I’m really sad some people think this is the case" (GUARDIAN, 8/4).
