Javier Mascherano Admits Tax Fraud; May Go To Jail Or Pay €800,000 Fine

Barcelona's Javier Mascherano has struck a deal to with the

Spanish authorities to avoid a 12-month jail term after pleading guilty to tax evasion charges.

The Barcelona star came to an agreement with the State Attorney under the terms of which he will pay a fine of €815,000 as well as accepting a one-year jail sentence. 

The Argentine was accused of evading payment on image rights received from Nike, and had already paid back the sum of €1.5 million as well as €200,000 in interest demanded by Spanish authorities. 

According to the charges, Mascherano had ceded his image rights to a company based in Madeira, Portugal, in order to avoid tax responsibilities between 2011 and 2012. Goal