Tax fraud: Xabi Alonso latest in Spanish tax evasion crackdown, faces up to 8 years in jail time

Bengaluru, March 17: After allegations of tax fraud by Barcelona star Lionel Messi, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and former Real manager Jose Mourinho, the name of Xabi Alonso, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid player, has emerged as the latest one to evade paying tax in the European country. The charges against Alonso, who played last for Bayern Munich, could see him sentenced for up to eight years in jail.

Lived it. Loved it.

Farewell beautiful game. pic.twitter.com/1aSN7GGNzZ

— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 9, 2017

Xabi Alonso spent five seasons at Spanish capital side Real Madrid, where he won the La Liga and Champions League. Now, a court battle is looming for Alonso as the Spanish Tax Agency set out their case against the Spaniard for image rights fraud, which he denies. This case had initially been closed. However, a Madrid judge has ordered it to be investigated once more, amid allegations of three separate tax fraudulencies.

El Confidencial reports that Alonso maintains his innocence in the face of a prosecution request that amounts to eight years in prison for him and his tax advisors for allegedly hiding income in an offshore account, based in Madeira. Initially, this case was closed due to Madeira being part of the European Union and thus not a tax haven, removing its possibility of being a crime.

"It's going to be special for many reasons. First one, to be back at Anfield" 💫

Who can't wait to see @XabiAlonso at the #LFC Legends Match?! 😎

👉 https://t.co/j15lc0Y4lm pic.twitter.com/DAtnWe2UvW

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 2, 2018

However, Xabi Alonso insists he's innocent and has refused to negotiate a conformance payment to accept culpability. The Spaniard is hoping for a fine and a two-year sentence that'll see him cleared off the case and avoid jail term as well. Sentences up to two years of prison time need not be served, according to Spanish laws - a method adopted by Luka Modric, Angel di Maria and even Marcelo in recent times.

Cristiano Ronaldo was also tried in a similar case regarding image rights. So was Jose Mourinho. Both were not convicted.