Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso could face EIGHT YEARS in prison for alleged tax fraud
Retired footballer saw 'premature' 2015 investigation 're-opened' and prosecutors demand big sentence if guilty
XABI ALONSO could face EIGHT YEARS in prison and an £8million fine for alleged tax fraud, according to reports in Spain.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder saw his 2015 case over undeclared income in relation to his image re-opened.
He is accused of using a company located in Madeira, which is away from the fiscal control.
Initially, it was determined he had not committed any crimes and the case was closed — it was concluded that, as the Portuguese island was not considered a tax haven, no crime had been committed.
However, the case was re-opened in January.
Why are so many La Liga stars facing tax issues?
WHEN David Beckham joined Real Madrid in 2003, he became the pioneer of a new tax-exemption scheme Spain introduced in order to attract top foreign talents across all sectors.
It became known as the "Beckham Law" and the ex-England captain signed up to a six-year-long tax ceiling of 24 per cent — which was around half what was paid at the time on six-figure-plus incomes.
Spain was enjoying an incredible economic boom, and became the perfect place to attract "Galactico"; players such as Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.
But the Beckham Law was scrapped in 2010 for annual salaries of over £530,000 (€600,000), and Spanish tax inspectors are now far more aware of complex financial operations involving offshore accounts to get around tax laws.
Alonso is alleged to have earned around £4.3m in image rights from major corporations such as Real Madrid, adidas, Gillette, Yamaha and Hugo Boss from 2010 to 2012.
Prosecutors are demanding six years in total, with a further two for 2011, when the amount undeclared was less.
The reports suggest the possibility of the World Cup-winner facing time in jail is high.
However, he will point to the fact this same case has been tried in the past and he was declared innocent.