On Thursday Santos made a formal complaint to FIFA over the Neymar case, looking to recover money they consider they are due from the signing of the player by Barcelona in May of 2013. The claim is levelled at Barcelona, Neymar, Neymar’s father and a company used in the deal. The president of the Brazilian club, Modesto Roma, clarified on Friday (today) in a press conference that the complaint isn’t against Neymar as a player, but as a business figure.

“Unlike on other occasions, this time we are doing it formally because of the seriousness of the matter. Santos respects and worships all of its idols, but now is not the time to talk of Neymar as an idol, but of a deal between clubs. Yesterday, Santos filed a claim before FIFA and against Barcelona, Neymar da Silva Santos, his son and the company Neymar Sport y Marketing”, said Modesto.

Santos believes that the investigation in Spain carried out by Judge Pablo Ruz shows that the cost of the player was 83 million euros, not the 57 million the Catalan club claimed at the time (and continue to stick to). Santos want compensation for the difference in price, because if Barcelona were paying more a share of that should have gone to Santos. “We are taking action against our idol, but it’s in the interest of Santos”, said Modesto.

The deal according to the contract was for Barcelona to pay 17 million for the player, divided up between Santos (55%), DIS (40%) and Teisa (5%) with another two million falling due if Neymar were to be in the final three in the Ballon d’Or. At the same time Neymar’s father would receive a bonus of 40 million euros, giving the total cost of 57 million euros used by Barcelona.

Judge Ruz however discovered a raft of other payments that he argues were related to the signing of Neymar. “The investigation in Spain shows amounts of 83.3 million euros”, said Modesto. He explained that any dispute under the contract was to be resolved by FIFA, through a sports tribunal. Santos have made it quite clear they want Barcelona, Neymar and his father to face them in such a tribunal if they aren’t willing to pay compensation over the difference in price.