Accusations of tax evasion against Lionel Messi, recognized as the best football player in the world four times, have not been dropped. Although last September footballers paid the missing 5 million euros to the Spanish tax inspection account, it will not protect the Argentine from trial.
L. Messi and his father are accused of hiding about 4 million euros in taxes for the footballer's image rights from 2007-2009. Both defendants strongly deny their guilt.
According to reports, part of the player's income was transferred to companies in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belize, and Uruguay, without paying taxes in Spain. These operations were allegedly started when L. Messi was still a minor.
To avoid further investigation and not admitting guilt, L. Messi transferred 5 million euros last year - the missing tax amount and fines. It was expected that this story would end with a so-called "peace agreement," under which the player pays the missing amount, and the investigation against him is closed without any additional sanctions.
However, on Thursday, the judge handling the case decided that L. Messi and his father would still have to face trial. The judge did not follow the prosecutors' recommendations to dismiss the charges against the player.
The Argentine himself has emphasized more than once that he was surprised by the news of possible tax evasion. According to L. Messi, his financial affairs are managed by consultants and advisers, one of whom is his father.
The player's annual salary at FC Barcelona is about 16 million euros, and with all advertising revenue, L. Messi earns over 40 million euros per year.
Under Spanish law, hiding taxes of this size also threatens significant fines and up to six years in prison.
15min.lt
