Javier Mascherano Charged with Tax Fraud: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Barcelona's Javier Mascherano has reportedly pleaded guilty to tax evasion, according to AS (h/t Football Espana).

Mascherano was officially charged with two counts of tax fraud for an amount totalling over €1.5 million on Sept. 28, reported by AS (h/t ESPN FC).

Now he has allegedly admitted guilt, as relayed by Football Espana:

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Mascherano has by pleading guilty avoided being cross-examined by the prosecution or the state’s attorney, AS adds.

It’s believed Mascherano paid in September more than €1.5m to the tax office, with ABC Deportes clarifying the payment was of the initial €1.5m and a further €200,000 in interest.

Mascherano’s repayment may work in his favour if he is convicted, El Publico add, with a more lenient punishment.

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The news comes not long after team-mate Neymar had $50 million of his assets frozen in a tax-evasion investigation, per Brazilian outlet Globoesporte (h/t Sports Illustrated). Per ESPN FC, star forward Lionel Messi faces similar allegations, while manager Luis Enrique has also reached a settlement with the Spanish government in a similar case.

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The issues stem from La Liga clubs using image rights to avoid paying higher income taxes, which has become a point of focus for Spanish investigators since the country took a turn for the worse due to the financial crisis.

Bayern Munich star Xabi Alonso is also on the list of players being investigated, and per the Associated Press (via Fox Sports), he took to Twitter to deny any wrongdoing, saying he has ''fulfilled each and every one of his fiscal obligations.''

According to ESPN, the state can only request a minimum punishment for Mascherano and no more restitution beyond the fine and back-paid taxes, which have already been taken care of.  

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