Spanish club FC Barcelona have sued their former star forward Neymar Jr. for breach of contract after he joined Paris Saint-Germain.
The French club activated Neymar’s €222m release clause earlier this month to sign him, but Barcelona claim he breached portions of his contract by agreeing to the move.
Neymar signed an extension to his contract last year, which included a renewal bonus paid to him.
However, Barcelona argue leaving the club voids his entitlement to the renewal bonus and are therefore calling for the courts to award them part of the figure back.
“FC Barcelona have sent a claim to be made against Neymar for breach of contract to the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) for it to be passed on to the French Football Federation [FFF] and FIFA,” a statement from the club read.
“In the demand, the club claims back money paid as part of a renewal bonus based on the fact he has not fulfilled his contract. The amount is €8.5m in damages, plus an additional 10 percent in interest. The club also claims that PSG subsidise the amounts in the event that the player cannot take responsibility.
“FC Barcelona have taken these steps in order to defend their own interests after Neymar rescinded his contract with the club just a few months after signing a renewal until 2021.” it added.