LOC18:41
15:41 GMT
PARIS, Aug 3 (KUNA) -- France's ruling Football League on Thursday joined the fray over the controversial transfer of Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, urging its Spanish counterpart to stop blocking the Euros 220 million (USD 265 million) deal.
In a strongly-worded statement, the French League authorities expressed astonishment at the decision by Spain's Football League to refuse to accept the transfer money and sign a release of Neymar from Barcelona.
Agents representing Neymar presented the massive cheque to the Spanish League but they refused to accept it on grounds financial rules and regulations had been violated within the FIFA world football system.
"France 24 Television," reporting the French League statement, said that the soccer authorities here failed to understand Spain's "refusal to simply accept payment of the release clause" for Neymar to be able to leave Barcelona and join PSG immediately.
The French body also said that it was providing PSG with legal advice to move the transfer forward as quickly as possible.
The body also urged the Spanish League to respect the FIFA rules in place. The Spanish League has claimed it is blocking the deal on the grounds that "fair play" financial rules have been violated in the transfer deal.
Observers here say that even if PSG has gone above regulated cash levels for the transfer, this does not mean it will not go ahead and the French club could be fined after the deal is concluded. (pickup previous)
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