Mascherano expected to avoid prison sentence for tax fraud

Barcelona star Javier Mascherano risks a year in prison and 800,000 euro fine for tax fraud.

But the defender will not go to prison, officials have said.

Spanish law allows for sentences less than two years in prison to be handled mildly.

Thursday’s sentence is the result of negotiations conducted in December between the footballer and the tax administration.

To my English speaking fans. pic.twitter.com/gtokftSxWp

— Javier Mascherano (@Mascherano) January 21, 2016

The Argentine said he was misled by tax advisors.

Mascherano is not the only FC Barcelona player who has had tax issues. Teammates Messi and Neymar Jr have all had issues with tax evasion.