FC Barcelona sue Neymar for more than 8.5 million euros

FC Barcelona have sued former forward Neymar Jr for more than €8.5 million for alleged breach of contract. The Spanish club say they are seeking "8.5m euros (£7.8m) in damages, and an additional 10% in interest". Barcelona has asked Neymar's current club Paris Saint-Germain to take responsibility for the payment if the player fails to do so.

The club released a statement on Tuesday which read,

"FC Barcelona has sent the Spanish Football Federation the labour lawsuit against Neymar Jr they submitted on 11 August at the Labour Tribunal in Barcelona so that they can pass it on to the appropriate authorities in the French Football Federation and FIFA.

In the lawsuit, the Club demands the player return the already paid sum for his contract renewal as he has not completed his contract; 8.5 million euros in damages; and an additional 10% because of delayed payment. The Club also requests Paris Saint-Germain take on responsibility for the payment of these fees if the player cannot do so himself. FC Barcelona has started these proceedings to protect its interests following Neymar’s contract termination just months after he signed a contract extension until 2021.

This legal defence will be carried out following the established procedures with the competent authorities without entering into any verbal arguments with the player."

Neymar left Barcelona for PSG on August 3 in a record €222 million (£197.3 million/$257 million) transfer after PSG paid his buyout clause.