FIFA said August 24 it was investigating Brazilian superstar Neymar’s complaint about an unpaid loyalty bonus from Barcelona in the increasingly bitter feud with his former club since his move to Paris Saint-Germain.
A FIFA spokesman said the complaint was “pending and being investigated” and he could not comment any further.
Barcelona is refusing to pay a €26 million bonus to Neymar for signing a five-year contract renewal last year.
In a separate issue, the Catalan giants are seeking €8.5 million in compensation from Neymar for breach of contract following his world record €222 million moves to PSG in August.
Neymar’s family hit back the very same day with their representatives expressing their “surprise” at Barcelona’s compensation claim “given that the player fully respected the contract valid at the time”.
The club’s latest move comes two days after Neymar fiercely criticised Barcelona’s under-fire board after scoring twice in a stunning home debut as PSG beat Toulouse 6-2 on August 20.
“There are people in charge that shouldn’t be there,” Neymar told reporters.”Barca deserves much more and everyone knows that.”
AFP / Bertrand Guay