Barcelona accept £198m Neymar fee

Barcelona have confirmed that they have accepted a payment of €222m (£198m) in order to end Neymar's contract with the La Liga side.

The forward's world-record transfer to Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain had hit legal uncertainty in recent days, with La Liga initially rejecting the transfer due to concerns over Financial Fair Play (FFP).

With UEFA and FIFA having indicated that they would approve the deal, however, La Liga has now backed down and the transfer fee has been paid.

In a short statement issued this evening, Barcelona said: "On Thursday afternoon Neymar Jr's legal representatives visited in person the club's offices and made the payment of €222m in the player's name with regards to the unilateral termination of the contract that united both parties.

"As such, the club will pass on to UEFA the details of the above operation so that they can determine the disciplinary responsibilities that may arise from this case."

The statement appears to confirm previous speculation that Neymar would fund the triggering of his own release clause and be subsequently reimbursed by the Ligue 1 side.

The Brazilian has already completed a medical and official confirmation of his switch to Unai Emery's side is expected imminently.