Brazilian club Santos has requested a six-month ban for former player Neymar, along with €55 million in damages, for a breach of contract, Brazilian newspaper O Globo reports.
The club alleges that Neymar terminated his contract without proper cause before joining Barcelona, invoking Article 17 of FIFA's transfer rules that calls for sanctions to be imposed on "any player found to be in breach of contract during the protected period."
The rules state that a club can seek a ban between four and six months for the player in question, in addition to compensation.
A FIFA committee will hear the case and determine whether the grievance is legitimate.
Last month, a Sao Paulo court froze the accounts of the Selecao star, his family, and related businesses amid allegations of tax fraud. A federal judge alleged the 23-year-old dodged R$63 million (€14.2 million, $15.9 million) in Brazilian taxes.
Related: Neymar has €42.5 million in assets frozen after alleged tax evasion
Neymar moved to Barcelona in the summer of 2013 for €57.1 million. A member of the club challenged the true value of the transfer, leading a Spanish court to pursue the case and prompt an investigation on suspicion of misappropriation.
Barcelona's football chief, Sandro Rosell, resigned as the accusations grew against him and the club.
- With h/t to ESPN FC
