Spanish authorities want Xabi Alonso jailed for tax fraud
Spanish prosecutors are calling for former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso to be sent to jail for eight years for tax fraud.
The Spanish Tax Agency set out their case against the Spaniard for image rights fraud, an allegation he strongly denies.
The case against the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid star was originally closed but allegations of another suspected tax fraud have led to a judge in Madrid ordering for a new investigation.
According to reports from Spain, Alonso and his financial advisors have been accused of hiding money in an offshore account to avoid paying tax.
Unlike other high profile footballers, such as another former Red, Javier Mascherano, who accepted charges of fraud and negotiated a repayment plan to avoid a term in jail, Alonso has always maintained his innocence and has no plans to plead guilty to the charges against him.
If found guilty, Alonso and his his advisors face spending eight years in prison.