Football
ESPN staff 7y

Barcelona's Neymar 'can't be an example to our children' - DIS chief

The founding partner of Brazilian investment group DIS has accused Neymar and his family of being "traitors," while insisting the Brazil and Barcelona star can't be a role model to children for what he's done.

DIS owned a substantial stake in Neymar when the Brazil No. 10 was sold from Santos to Barcelona for upwards of €86 million in the summer of 2013, but were shorted in the deal because part of the fee was concealed by Barcelona, Santos and the company run by Neymar's parents. 

The investment group filed a complaint afterward. And now, after losing a recent appeal, Neymar and those involved will stand trial on corruption charges related to the transfer.

Speaking for the first time publicly, an emotional Delcir Sonda slammed Neymar and his family for their "betrayal."

"He can't be an example to our children," Sonda said.

DIS received 40 percent of €17.1m when Neymar moved clubs, but believe they should have gotten 40 percent of the full amount of the deal.

"We trusted Neymar. We were brought in by his father and [his agent] Wagner Ribeiro in 2008 and we negotiated," he said. "We participated in the auction to buy this boy. Kia [Joorabchian] wanted to take him to Chelsea. But I invested in him, in his future, we bet on him before his professional debut.

"We invested R$5.5 million [€1.63m], we made friends with the family, we paid for trips to London for his dad and Jerusalem for the family. How can this kid say he doesn't know me? I was stabbed in the back."

"We trusted his word. I am a serious businessman, not a traitor. I only invested for the good of sport. Sincerely, to enter into a farce like this. ... We are serious and we invest in social, kids, the elderly. We started from the bottom and got here with a lot of sweat.

"He visited my family's home and I attended his, I was betrayed by Neymar, his dad and his mom. Neymar, his parents and Barcelona designed a scam. Fake contracts, secret lawyers. DIS was a victim of stellionate and private corruption, according to Spanish law.

"I want justice!"

Sonda said it was difficult to bring a lawsuit against Neymar, and that he still feels grief after making the decision.

"Corruption is spreading in Brazil, and in football also. I never thought we would have to open a criminal action against a boy that I think much of. I am very sad and annoyed," he said.

"I invested and believed in his family. We had barbecues, we had a suite at the Vila [Santos' stadium] just for them. I think I did everything I could for this boy. And now, from the bottom of my heart, I feel grief."

^ Back to Top ^