Spanish prosecutors have accused former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso of fraud and not disclosing £1.75m between 2010 and 2012 to the Spanish state.
The payments are in relation to image rights and marks the latest installment in a prolonged case against the former footballer which originally begun last year. It had been closed and subsequently reopened, with it claimed Alonso established a contract with a business in Madeira so that he could illegally benefit. It is alleged that the company was managed by his financial adviser Ignasi Maestre Casanova who is facing similar charges.
A statement was released earlier calling for the statement.
The Economic Crimes section of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Madrid is seeking five years in prison for former soccer player Xabier Alonso Olano for the commission of three crimes against the Public Treasury during fiscal years 2010, 2011 and 2012.
The tax office in Spain has focused on many footballers in recent years, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also subject to investigation. Messi was eventually issued a £225,000 fine.
