Barcelona star Javier Mascherano sentenced to a YEAR in prison over £1.2m tax fraud

He was handed a £625,000 (€815,000) fine and a year's prison sentence by a court in Spain today, but it turns out he may not even have to serve it.

In Spain, those handed sentences of less than two years are not required to serve them if they pay an additional fine.

Mascherano's lawyer are looking to agree a sum and even arrange a third fee to remove the offences from his criminal record.

The Champions League-winner released an open letter following the sentencing.

It reads: "I am a professional sportsman and I do not have great knowledge of neither legal nor tax-related matters. For that reason I need to rely on the support of those people trained to deal with such matters that, for me, are complicated.

"Now, finally, and after a bitter and painful episode in my life I have finally reached agreement.

"Throughout my career I have been honest and responsible, respecting my team mates at the clubs and all those countries where I have lived."

He explained that he will now learn from the experience.

And adds: "This situation I have found myself in I will treat as one more experience in my life from which, hopefully, I can emerge stronger, at peace and content in the knowledge that I am once again in compliance with the law."

But Mascherano is not the only Barce star facing a court appearance over his taxes.

Ballon D'or winner Lionel Messi is also expecting to face a judge later this year.

His trial is set for May 31 – June 3.

Yet Messi's lawyers are trying to change the trial date as it conflicts with the start of the Copa America tournament in the US.

(dailystar.co.uk)