Former Barcelona striker faces jail term

Spanish prosecutors have requested a 10-year prison sentence and an €18m fine for allegations of tax fraud by former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

Reports in El Pais and EFE suggest the ex-Cameroon striker - who played for the Catalans between 2004 and 2009 - and his former advisor Josep Maria Mesalles defrauded the state of €3.8m in the final three years of his stint at the Camp Nou.

It is alleged his image rights were transferred to companies in Spain and Hungary with the purpose of avoiding paying tax on endorsement deals on lucrative arrangements, including the striker's arrangement with sportswear manufacturer Puma.

A lawsuit was first filed against Eto'o - now at Turkish side Antalysapor - on these grounds by prosecutors in 2012 and unlike other Barca players (both past and present) the missing tax money has never been repaid.

The 35-year-old has stated the allegations are based on 'unfair and fraudulent evidence' and has vowed to fight his corner.