Football
Messi sentenced to imprisonment for a term
The next Tiefschag: After the lost Copa America final and the following resignation from the national team of Argentina is sentenced Lionel Messi because of tax evasion to a prison sentence.
From the model to the convicted offenders: The world’s most popular and according to many the best footballer in the world, according to Spanish law, no longer an innocent citizen. Lionel Messi and his father Jorge Horacio are
sentenced to 21 months in prison. In addition, was fined 3.7 million euros. The district court ruled on Wednesday in Barcelona. The father and son are, according to the indictment, using shell companies in Belize and Uruguay between 2007 and 2009
Taxes amounting to a total of 4.16 million euros.
However, probably no jail time for Messi
However, it is likely that the 29-year-old Messi, the Star of the Spanish champion, FC Barcelona, and his father not to agree to the detention. This is common in Spain, if against persons not previously come into conflict with the law, a prison sentence of less than two years shall be imposed. In addition, the Messis now have the opportunity to go in appeal.
Messi had testified, not to the tax Affairs taken care of, but to have his father leave. “I signed things, but I never look at the contracts. I don’t know what I will sign it”, said Messi, according to the newspaper El Periodico in September 2013. Apparently, Messi had been in the course of the investigation, various signed sponsorship contracts submitted, but Messi had, according to reports in the media, not to remind you. “This is something that my dad manages. And I trust him”, was quoted as saying the five-time world footballer. He is concentrating on playing football: “I do what he tells me.”
Brilliant shot technique, illegal tax practice: Lionel Messi is a convicted criminal now.
In December, the Spanish judiciary had to play investigations against the Superstar of FC Barcelona for alleged financial irregularities in the charity in the years 2012 and 2013 set. A court found that Messi had withheld from the tax authorities, no income from the affected Games.
A defeat to a lot of
A half weeks ago Messi after another defeat in the final of the Copa America against Chile had
his resignation from the Argentine national team, explains. The five-time world player had suffered three final defeats with the Argentines in a row, including in the world Cup final 2014 in Rio de Janeiro against Germany. Whether his resignation is linked to the judgment in the context, initially remained open.
jw/sn (sid, dpa)