Alexis Sanchez Accused of Tax Fraud: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez has been accused of tax fraud by the Spanish courts and could face a jail sentence if found guilty.
According to the Sun's Sam Street, the Chilean allegedly avoided paying €1 million in taxes during his time with Barcelona after allegedly "simulating the transfer of his image rights" to an offshore company in which he held a 99 percent stake.
Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano have been sentenced to jail sentences for similar offences. Per the report, both sentences were under two years in length, which means they can be served on probation, by Spanish law.
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Sanchez moved to Barcelona from Udinese in 2011 and joined the Gunners in 2014 after he failed to become a regular starter for the Blaugrana.
He has found plenty of success in north London, however, quickly establishing himself as Arsenal's top forward. This season, he has already scored six Premier League goals.
Per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan, Messi was sentenced to 21 months in jail for avoiding a total amount of €4.1 million in taxes. Those numbers would indicate Sanchez's punishment would be smaller should he be found guilty, and he's unlikely to spend any time in jail.
The report also states Sanchez could be facing two separate charges, as he transferred his image rights to a different company in 2008, another in which he also held a 99 percent stake.
