Lionel Messi Could Face Prison For RM16.2 Million Tax Evasion

A Spanish court will push ahead with the process of prosecuting Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi for alleged tax evasion despite a recommendation from the public prosecutor the charges be dismissed.

Lionel Messi could still be prosecuted for tax evasion in the Spanish courts, judges have confirmed, despite calls for the charges to be dismissed.

independent.co.uk

A Spanish judge on Monday rejected a prosecutor's request to drop charges of tax fraud against Lionel Messi and ordered the investigation into three cases of suspected unpaid taxes to proceed.

The judge in the case ruled that the case against both Messis should continue, according to a statement published on Monday.

Argentina’s Messi and his father were accused last year of defrauding the Spanish state of more than €4m (£3.1m) by filing false returns for the years 2006 to 2009. They have denied wrongdoing.

theguardian.com

Messi and his father were accused last year of defrauding the Spanish state of more than £3million by filing false returns for the years 2006 to 2009. They have denied wrongdoing.

However, the court in Barcelona has decided that Lionel Messi could have known about and approved the creation of a web of shell companies that were allegedly used to evade taxes due on income from image rights.

But rejecting that application, a court statement claimed there was “sufficient evidence” to suggest the Barcelona star could have been aware that the alleged fraud was taking place. Judges said it was not necessary for the younger Messi “to have full knowledge of all accounting or corporate transactions or the exact amount of the fraud” for him to “have known and consented” in the alleged crime.

independent.co.uk

Lionel Messi could still be prosecuted for tax evasion in the Spanish courts, judges have confirmed, despite calls for the Messi is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, earning more than $63 million (£37.1 million) a year in salary, bonuses and sponsor payments, according to Forbes magazine.charges to be dismissed.

independent.co.uk

One of the world’s highest-paid athletes, Messi earns just over £31million a season in salary and bonuses, according to Forbes magazine, as well as about £18million from sponsors. The magazine has him as the fourth top-earning athlete behind boxer Floyd Mayweather, Real Madrid footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and basketball player LeBron James.

Lionel Messi could face up to six years in prison as he continues to be the subject of a tax evasion investigation according to Time.

caughtoffside.com

Spain has been cracking down on tax evasion as it fights to repair the country's public finances after a prolonged recession triggered by the collapse of its once-booming real estate sector. Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro warned footballers they should make sure they were "comfortable" with their tax affairs.

Lionel Messi found out on Monday that he will be prosecuted for alleged tax evasion. Shortly afterward, the Barcelona and Argentina star posted a cryptic message on Instagram. The simple white text on black background read, "A lion doesn't concern himself with the opinions of a sheep."

bleacherreport.com