Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has admitted to tax fraud totalling nearly €1 million to a Catalan court.
Alex Sanchez
The Chile international acknowledged two crimes against the Treasury which took place while he was on the books of Barcelona between 2012 and 2013, with Europa Press reporting an overall value of €983,443.
Alexis made his declaration on Monday via video link, with the hearing lasting only a couple of minutes.
Reports suggest that the 28-year-old has already returned the money he owes and will likely be handed a fine rather than be put on trial.
His defence team will, however, have to a reach an agreement with the Treasury regarding the size of a fine for the delay in payment and on the length of a prison sentence – which would be short and therefore suspended.
Prosecutor Miguel Angel Perez de Gregorio argued that Alexis avoided paying tax on his image rights by using a company based in Malta.
The issue was first raised in November 2016, with the Gunners forward joining the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Javier Mascherano in being accused of tax evasion.
