Football: Mascherano avoids prison with tax evasion guilty plea

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The Barcelona star will pay a fine and receive a one-year suspended sentence, with the deal expected to be confirmed in court at a later date

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Javier Mascherano has pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges in Spain, but will avoid a spell in prison due to a deal struck with authorities. 

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.

However, news agency EFE confirmed that the punishment will be suspended unless Mascherano commits the same offence in the next 12 months in a deal that will be confirmed in court on a date still to be determined.

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.

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After speaking to judicial sources, Goal understands there are no legal obstacles for the presiding judge to accept the agreement and close the case following the player's guilty plea.

Goal.com