It appears as though not every club around the world is in a jovial mood this time of year.
According to a release, Santos is accusing Barcelona of creating a “smokescreen” in order to not pay the Brazilian club a €2 million bonus. Neymar was one of three players named to the Ballon d’Or shortlist, and Santos is wanting to be paid after it and Barca agreed to a series of bonus clauses when the playmaker was sent to Spain in the summer of 2013.
In a letter that was later leaked to the media, Barcelona said it will not pay Santos the €2 million bonus until the ongoing contract dispute over Neymar’s transfer ends.
Santos said it had not received the letter in a statement on its official website, and reiterated that Barcelona is simply trying to avoid paying, which is “a clear example of breach of contract.”
Here are some more news and notes:
ROONEY SAYS PLAYERS IN SUPPORT OF VAN GAAL
Louis Van Gaal may currently be in hot water, but the players are apparently in full support of him.
On Thursday, Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney revealed that he and the team are working together to turn things around. Like Van Gaal in Wednesday’s press conference, Rooney also criticized the media.
“You have a lot of people talking about things they believe are happening but in reality a lot of people who are writing that stuff don’t actually know what’s happening,” Rooney told Sky Sports.
“We are working hard, we are fighting with the manager to try and get the results and turn this season around.”
United has not won a game in its last six, which includes a recent 2-1 home loss to Norwich City.
BOURNEMOUTH TO BE FINED FOR BREACHING FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY
AFC Bournemouth is in a bit of trouble and will have to pay as a result.
The English Football League will fine the English Premier League side after it was found to have breached Financial Fair Play rules during the 2014-15 Championship season.
The club topped the table to advance to the EPL, but exceeded the maximum permitted deviation of £6 million. The deviation is calculated from a combination of adjusted losses and shareholder contributions.
Meanwhile, Fulham and Nottingham Forest were also found to be in breach of FFP rules, and will be subject to a transfer embargo for the rest of the 2015-16 season. Millwall also exceeded the £6 million deviation, but will not be punished as it was relegated to League One.
QUICK KICKS:
Norwich City agreed to sign West Ham United winger Matt Jarvis for three and a half years. (REPORT)
Man United head coach Louis Van Gaal says the club must win the next game against Stoke City on Saturday. (REPORT)
Of course Rooney and Co. will “back” LVG publically. Players, 90% of the time, will do that when their playing time is one the line. Now behind closed doors………. that’s a different story. I highly doubt the Man United locker room supports or backs LVG. It’s evident their play and you just get that vibe.