Xabi Alonso faces five years’ jail for alleged tax fraud of Spanish government
Ex-Spain, Liverpool and Real Madrid star is set to go to court as he has refused an agreement and wants to clear his name
XABI ALONSO will go to court after refusing a settlement over tax fraud charges that could see the former Liverpool midfielder jailed for five years if found guilty.
The ex-Spain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star, 37, is accused of owing nearly £1.7million tax after failing to declare earnings from image rights.
Alonso insists he is innocent and has rejected the type of agreement stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo negotiated with the Spanish state.
Instead, the retired playmaker is due for a court appearance on January 22.
Alonso wants to clarify the case on "principle"; after the allegation he did not declare 5m euros from from image rights - about £4.5m - whilst with Real.
Spanish tax authorities have called for a fie-year jail term if Alonso is tried and found guilty - and the Public Prosecutor has asked for EIGHT YEARS.
Prosecutors have also been seeking a multi-million pound fine and for Alonso to pay the tax they say he owes.
But reports in Spain suggest defence lawyers believe the superstar would not be jailed even if he loses the case.
Other big names have also been targeted over claims of tax evasion from their time in La Liga.
Barcelona legend Messi was given a 21-month suspended jail term, while ex-Real hero Ronaldo, now with Juventus, denies charges.
Ex-Barca star Javier Mascherano got a one-year suspended sentence after admitting tax fraud.
And Jose Mourinho, sacked as Manchester United boss last month, denies irregularities dating to his time as Real chief from 2011-2012.
