Xabi Alonso under investigation for tax fraud

According to 'El Mundo' newspaper, Madrid's chief prosecutor has asked that Bayern Munich midfielder - and former Real Madrid man - Xabi Alonso be investigated for tax fraud.

Xabi Alonso's case is similar to that of Javier Mascherano, who was found guilty of defrauding Spain's tax authorities of 1.5 million euros. The two footballers were Liverpool teammates between 2007 and 2009.

According to the case brought by Spain's tax authorities, the agent of the two players may have employed certain tactics to avoid them having to pay tax on their image rights. The difference between the two players' cases is that the sum of money demanded of Alonso is greater (6 million euros) because it includes one more season than the case against Mascherano. The Argentine was investigated for the 2011 and 2012 tax years, whilst the Basque is also being investigated for 2010.

Xabi Alonso took to Facebook to deny any wrongdoing, claiming that he is unaware of the proceedings against him.