Javier Mascherano is to testify in the case brought against him regarding allegations of an unpaid tax bill of €1.5m.
Sport reports the Superior Court of Catalonia want the Barcelona defender to appear on October 29 having been charged with two counts of tax fraud.
It’s alleged Mascherano used the tax haven of Madeira to funnel money from image rights to avoid paying taxes on it in the years 2011 and 2012.
Mascherano reportedly paid back €1.5m in tax and €200,000 in interest in September 2014, when the tax authorities began their investigation – a step that could work in his favour regarding punishment if he is convicted.
The Portuguese island of Madeira is said by Sport to offer ‘a favourable tax regime,’ in the words of the prosecutor of the case.
Mascherano is also alleged to have concealed from the tax authorities the income from a contract with sportswear manufacturer Nike.
Sport add that the case against Masche is similar to one involving Barcelona and Argentina teammate Lionel Messi.
