The South American is alleged to have concealed earnings related to his image rights in 2011 and 2012 worth 1.5million euros by using companies set up in the United States and in Portugal.
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Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano is being investigated of avoiding €1.5 million in tax charges, Catalunya legal authorities have announced.
The Spanish public prosecutor claims Mascherano defrauded authorities of £436,443.72 in 2011 and £719,470.30 in 2012.
Mascherano, who has so far made no comment on the allegations, has already paid the amount owed this month plus an additional interest payment of close to 200,000, the prosecutor’s office has said.
Mascherano is the latest high-profile soccer player to be accused of tax fraud following the likes of his Barcelona and Argentina team mate Lionel Messi, who has been caught up in a similar case involving earnings from image rights. Both men deny any wrongdoing.
The news comes just days after team-mate Neymar had $50 million of his assets frozen in a tax-evasion investigation, per Brazilian outlet Globoesporte (h/t Sports Illustrated).
However, a Spanish judge has yet to rule on whether or not the 31-year-old Mascherano’s case will go to trial.
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The parents of Barcelona forward Neymar have denied their son has done anything wrong after a judge formally accused the player of evading taxes.
