Brazilian court freezes Neymar’s assets over tax evasion; yacht, private jet, three firms affected

Barcelona forward, Neymar, has had his assets frozen back in his native Brazil.
The 24-year-old is facing charges of tax evasion between 2011 and 2013, but has denied any wrongdoing.
The federal court in the state of Sao Paulo has intervened to block £34.5 million worth of his assets, however, with a yacht, a jet, properties and three companies belonging to his family all affected.
The authorities have ordered Neymar, who is accused of setting up companies as a means of paying a lower rate of tax, to hand over £11 million – the figure he is said to owe.
“He can still appeal the decision, but it is a step forward,” said Iagaro Jung Martins, an auditor with the federal tax agency. “If he pays what he owes, the case is closed. Our legislation isn’t too harsh.”
Neymar is also facing allegations of corruption and fraud in Spain, an issue that relates to his transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013.