Alexis Sanchez Pleads Guilty in Spanish Tax Fraud Case and Avoids Prison

The Chilean star, who has just recently become the highest-paid Premier League star after his move from Arsenal to Man United, has become the latest football player to be charged with tax fraud in Spain, after a string of legal crackdowns on some big names in La Liga over the last two years. According to online sportsbook news, Sanchez has accepted the 16-month prison sentence, however he has labelled it “entirely unjust” believing the Spanish authorities to have essentially forced himself and other players into agreeing to the deal.

Sanchez avoids jail, but has a hefty fine to pay – less than 2-weeks’ wages for him

The 29-year-old forward plied his trade for La Liga side Barcelona for three seasons (between 2011-2014) and according to the Spanish tax office he defrauded the treasury of €1m he gained through various earnings during the 2012-13 campaign. It is believed he used shell companies in offshore locations that have lenient economic policies and are not regulated on a high level. Sky Sports reports that although he has avoided time in a prison, Sanchez has been ordered by the Spanish court to pay back the €1m, plus another €600,000 as a penalty for failing to pay his taxes.

“Once again, there has been a leak from the Spanish tax office, (this game) outlining an agreement between our client Alexis Sanchez and public prosecutors. Despite having demonstrated that Alexis has committed no crime, we have been obliged, following the recommendations of our (legal) advisers, to accept the unjustified pact offered in order to palliate the emotional, personal and economic cost of living, tedious, trials where the media are used to publicly expose and judge private matters.”

Man United have better odds with the Chilean in their squad

After 26 rounds in the Premier League this season, Man United are still in second position on the table with a 13-point gap between them and leaders Man City. We doubt the Sky Blues will crumble anytime soon, considering the way they’ve been playing this campaign; however losing the chance to get Sanchez among their ranks could hurt Guardiola’s pride, especially since his arch nemesis Mourinho has snatched the Chilean right in front of his nose.

Sanchez made his name in Spain during his 3-year stint with Barcelona (source: The Guardian)

Having Sanchez gives the Red Devils a more formidable attack that could see them close the gap on their crosstown rivals, despite losing a match away to Tottenham just a week ago. The skilful forward scored 1 goals in 3 appearances so far, but he’ll have another chance this weekend to find the back of the net at St. James Park, as Man Untied will gear up to face Newscatle.

The Magpies are 16th in the league with only 25 points, and what’s even worse than that is their record at home which stands at 3 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses – the worst home performance in the league. So it’s surprise the Old Trafford side are the favourites for this encounter, with online sportsbooks in UK giving them odds of 9/2 (5.50). A draw for the match is 11/4 (3.75) while a very unlikely victory for the hosts stands at 3/5 (1.61), per Bet365 Sportsbook.

(Check out Bet365 Sportsbook review for more info about the online betting site.)