Alexis Sanchez given 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud

By Dale O'Donnell, Sports Reporter
February 07, 2018
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Alexis Sanchez has accepted a 16-month prison sentence for committing tax fraud during his time at Barcelona, although he will not spend time in jail.

The 29-year-old has agreed to pay the money he owes with interest.

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The Manchester United forward was accused of defrauding the treasury of €1 million between 2012 and 2013, relating to income from his image rights.

The prosecution claimed that Sanchez avoiding paying any tax by “simulating” the transfer of his rights to an off-shore shell company in Malta called ‘Numidia’. He owned 99% of the shares in Numidia.

This issue has been swirling around since Alexis’ Arsenal days but, as far as United supporters will be concerned, at least he won’t miss out on any game time!

However, Alexis is not a lone shark in the football world for defrauding whilst applying his trade in Spain. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho and Ricardo Carvalho have all been pursued by the authorities recently.

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Alexis joined La Liga giants Barcelona from Udinese in 2011 and spent three years at Camp Nou, winning a league title as well as the Club World Cup under Pep Guardiola.

In 2014, Alexis left Barcelona for Arsenal where he became fed up with mediocrity and forced a move from the Emirates last month. Mourinho saw the opportunity to bring another world-class to Old Trafford in attempt to bolster his attack and the United manager was successful, much to Manchester City’s displeasure.

But the prosecution claimed that Sanchez avoiding paying any tax by “simulating” the transfer of his rights to an off-shore shell company in Malta called ‘Numidia’. Alexis Sanchez owned 99% of the shares in Numidia.

That said, United are currently 13 points behind Premier League leaders City. The Reds face Newcastle United on Sunday.

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