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French federation receives Neymar's transfer certificate

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August 12, 2017
Brazilian star Neymar waves to fans as he stands next to PSG president Nasser Ghanim Al-KhelavØfi at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Saturday, during his official presentation to fans ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's season opening match against Amiens. Neymar would not play in the club's season opener as the French football league did not receive the player's international transfer certificate before the deadline. The Brazil star became the most expensive player in football history after completing his blockbuster transfer from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million) last Thursday. (AP Photo)

PARIS, France (AP):

Neymar is expected to make his long-awaited debut with Paris Saint-Germain tomorrow in the small Brittany town of Guingamp after French football authorities finally received the Brazil star's international transfer certificate (ITC).

The French football federation said yesterday it had received the document from its Spanish counterpart, more than a week after PSG signed the Brazilian from Barcelona.

The French football league then told The Associated Press that the ITC had been submitted by the federation and that Neymar's transfer would be ratified later Friday, clearing the way for him to play at Guingamp on Sunday night.

The hold-up prevented Neymar from making his PSG debut last Saturday against Amiens after completing his world-record €222 million (US$262 million) transfer.

PSG wanted Neymar to start the season at the Parc des Princes but his debut was delayed because of the paperwork issues. Neymar was unveiled to the PSG fans on Saturday but could only watch from the stands as his new team started its league campaign with a 2-0 win.

Barcelona said there was nothing strange about the situation and that the wait was due to the banks. A few hours before the French federation confirmed it had received the ITC, several Spanish media reported on Friday that the €222 million had finally been made available in the club's accounts.

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