Prosecutors wrap up case in 'Neymar affair'

Spanish prosecutors are requesting a prison sentence of two years and three months for Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and seven for his predecessor, Sanrdo Rosell, over the so-called 'Neymar affair,' judicial sources said on Monday.

The Madrid court is also calling for a fine of $24.1 million against the high-profile club over the transfer deal which has been the subject of an anti-corruption probe.

The two men and the club are charged with tax fraud and Rosell is also accused of accounting irregularities over his time in charge.

Following months of investigation, a Spanish judge must now consider whether the case should go to trial.

The judge, Pablo Ruz, said 10 days ago after completing his investigation that the two defendants were suspected of three counts of tax fraud worth a total of $13.6 million, relating to the signing of the Brazilian striker in 2013.

The club has said it paid just over $65 million overall to sign Neymar from Brazilian club Santos but the judge suspects the real amount was more than $90 million.

But Ruz said the various contracts produced "were designed to cover or hide the fact that in reality they represented a higher cost for Barcelona" in order to "avoid or significantly reduce the money paid to the tax authorities".

Bartomeu denied all responsibility when he appeared before an examining