Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi and his father Jorge have been found guilty of tax fraud and have been handed a 21month jail sentence by the court of Catalonia, however because of no previous criminal charges and a less than two year sentence they both can avoid jail.
The court of Catalonia on Monday 6th July, handed a 21 months sentence to Messi and his father for tax evasion charges which were allegedly stashed in Uruguay’s tax havens. Both father and son owe back a total of 4 million euros. In response to these charges Messi claimed that he didn’t know anything about it and he signed all the papers which were handed to him by his father. Jorge (Messi’s father) pleaded that his lawyers told him that the practice was considered legal.
Messi’s footballing career won’t be hindered by the decision as he is free to attend Barcelona’s pre-season training next week. Barcelona came out in support for the Argentinian with the following club’s press statement
“FC Barcelona gives all its support to Leo Messi and his father with relation to the sentence for tax evasion handed out by the provincial court in Barcelona today,” read a statement from the Spanish champions.”
“The club, in agreement with the government prosecution service, considers that the player, who has corrected his position with the Spanish tax office, is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case.”
“FC Barcelona continues to be at the disposal of Leo Messi and his family to support him in whatever action he decides to take in defense of his honesty and his legal interests.”
Messi was fined with 1.7 million euros while his father 1.3 million euros, can appeal to the Supreme court against the decision the decision of the provincial court. Six days before the decision came in, Messi announced his retirement from international football following an exit in the Copa America final against Chile. He then took back his decision
Neymar was previously scrutinized for his tax evasion by a Brazilian court followed by Mascherano who was also handed a 12-month prison sentence but avoided jail. Messi therefore is the third Barcelona to come under the tax evasion sentence.
