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Media Reports: Sandro Rosell to Step Down as FC Barcelona President Due to "Neymar Case"

Multiple reliable sources say Sandro Rosell's resignation is just a matter of time. The ongoing trial regarding Neymar's transfer from Santos is the main reason why Rosell would step down as president.

David Ramos

La Vanguardia was the first paper to report it, but now it's all over the Catalan media. Sandro Rosell is set to step down as president of FC Barcelon amid an ongoing court case.

Rosell has been accused of corruption and other irregularities regarding the transfer of Brazilian star Neymar from his boyhood club, Santos FC, to Barcelona.

The still-president was firm in saying nothing was suspicious in the transfer, insisting it cost only 57 million euro. But his critics say that the figure was in fact closer to 100 million, obscured in other dealings, to avoid paying the third party companies that owned Neymar's contract.

This has become a tax issue and the ongoing legal battle is set to get to the bottom of the issue. Nothing has been proven either way yet, but Rosell could resign to avoid becoming a distraction to the club.

If Rosell does step down, current Vice President Josep Maria Bartomeu would take over as interim president, with Carles Vilarrubí as acting VP.

Elections would be held at the end of the season for a new president, with Rosell's predecessor, Joan Laporta, an early favorite.

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