Barcelona has announced it is taking legal action against Neymar after alleging the Brazilian failed to fulfil his contract.

The club confirmed it has sent the Spanish Football Federation a labour lawsuit against Neymar submitted on 11 August at the Labour Tribunal in Barcelona so that it can pass it on to the appropriate authorities in the French Football Federation and FIFA.

"The club demands the player return the already paid sum for his contract renewal as he has not completed his contract," a statement from the club read.

The amount being sought by Barcelona from Neymar includes €8.5 million ($12.6 million) in damages, plus an additional 10 per cent because of delayed payment. It is also requesting that Paris Saint-Germain take responsibility for the payment of the fees if the player cannot do so himself.

"FC Barcelona has started these proceedings to protect its interests after Neymar’s decision to buy out his contract just months after he signed an extension until 2021," the statement continued.

"This legal defence will be carried out after the established procedures with the competent authorities without entering into any verbal arguments with the player."