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Angel Di Maria Handed Prison Sentence In Tax Fraud Case

Angel Di Maria Handed Prison Sentence In Tax Fraud Case

Another one

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

In the ongoing saga that is fully grown men not understanding how taxes work while playing football in Spain, Angel Di Maria has been handed a one year suspended prison sentence after admitting to committing tax fraud during his time with Real Madrid.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was found guilty on two charges of tax fraud, with the Argentine reportedly owing the Spanish government £1.14 million.

As punishment for his crimes, the former Real Madrid man has been ordered to pay a fine of £1.76 million, but will serve no prison time as he has no prior criminal record.



Di Maria is the latest in an increasingly long line of people associated with both Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes to face tax fraud charges, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho both currently being charged with similar offences.

Di Maria
Di Maria


Cavani Di Maria
Cavani Di Maria

Di Maria has been one of PSG's star players since arriving in the French capital, two years ago. Images: PA

The problem of high profile footballers based in Spain not paying their taxes isn't isolated to the Bernabeu, however, with Barcelona pair Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano both currently serving suspended sentences themselves relating to unpaid taxes.


Messi
Messi

When you see the taxman coming... Images: PA

El Confidencial reported that Di Maria circumvented the taxman by transferring his image rights to Panama based offshore company Sunpex Corporation Inc.

The Champions League winning midfielder was once the most expensive player in British football history, sealing a £59.6 million move to Manchester United in 2014.

Di Maria would endure a miserable season at Old Trafford, however, with personal and professional problems causing him to seek a move elsewhere. After less than a year with United, the former Benfica man was sold for a cut price £44 million to PSG, where he has won a French league title, two French Cups and two French league cups.


Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Angel Di Maria, Football, PSG, Real Madrid