Eto’o faces over 10 years jail time for alleged tax fraud

The four-time African Footballer of the Year stands accused of failing to reveal his full income to the authorities, which could land him a long spell behind bars if found guilty.

Samuel Eto’o could face a jail sentence of over 10 years, according to respected Spanish newspaper El Pais, which reports that a Spanish prosecutor is pursuing the striker for alleged tax fraud while at Barcelona.

The former Cameroon international striker, 35, who is currently playing for Antalyaspor in Turkey, has been accused of fraud that could amount up to €3.46 million.

Eto’o is alleged to have been accused of failing to declare his sponsorship revenues, including those from a major boot manufacturer, to the authorities when filing his tax returns between 2006 and 2009.

If true, this would mean he avoided paying the top tax rate, which at the time stood at 45 per cent.

There are four charges levelled against him, El Pais claims, which could amount to 10 and a half years behind bars and a fine of €14m.

Additionally, his agent at the time, Josep Maria Mesalles, would also stand trial if the reported prosecution effort is accepted.