Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa to face trial for tax fraud
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa will face trial for tax fraud in Spain next week.
The former Chelsea forward is charged with defrauding the state of more than €1 million (£813,000) by not declaring payments of more than €5.15m (£4.19m) from his 2014 move to Stamford Bridge.
It is also alleged that the Spain striker, who was born in Brazil, failed to declare €1m in image rights.
Prosecutors in Madrid want the 31-year-old to be given a six-month prison sentence, while he could also be hit with a fine of €507,208 (£457,128).
Sentences up to two years for non-violent crimes can be exchanged for fines in Spain, so Costa will not spend any time in jail if convicted, but he could be forced to pay out an additional €36,500 (£32,896).
Costa has managed just 19 appearances and two goals in an injury-hit season so far for Atleti, but will be expected to feature more when LaLiga returns next month.
