Javier Mascherano sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion… but won’t go

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has been sentenced to 12 months in prison by Spanish authorities after pleading guilty to tax evasion charges.

However, having worked out a deal with authorities, the former Liverpool man won't face any time in jail. Sport claim that the only way that Mascherano will see the inside of a prison will be if he re-offends. Despite appearing to avoid prison, the Argentina has not been able to avoid a fine and will have to pay in excess of £500,000. Mascherano has already paid back almost £1m in owed tax as well as interest nearing £150,000.