Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano hit with jail sentence

Spain’s tax authorities claimed the defender withheld from the government €1.5 million ($1.6 million) in 2011 and 2012. Sentences less than two years are normally suspended in Spain unless the guilty party has previous convictions, and Mascherano may be able to avoid a jail sentence altogether. Therefore, I’m helped by people that handles these issues, which for me are complex.

“Throughout my career I have been honest and responsible, respecting my team mates at the clubs and all those countries where I have lived”.

“This situation I am now in I am taking as yet another life experience, from which I will emerge with strength and calm because I know I am once again within the law. Now he has to pay the fine and the Mascherano case will be closed”.

Former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has been handed a one-year prison sentence for tax fraud.

“After agreeing to come to Barcelona, I hired a prestigious Spanish tax firm, with renowned professionals and an excellent reputation”.

A court filing released previous year confirmed the player had repaid 1.75m euros – the full amount plus interest.

“I was advised by said professionals from the year 2010 until 2014, when I made a decision to change firms before the process was opened against me and with evidence that my problem was no longer a possibility but a reality”.

And after such compliance with the investigation, the court is expected to grant the wish of Mascherano and his lawyer, David Aineto, in suspending the custodial sentence in exchange for a further fine.

Barcelona players including Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez celebrate victory with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany.

“I’m a professional athlete”.