I've been reading about developments in this story lately and before today have just rubbished them, but now it's picking up steam and not looking good for our world class defensive midfielder. Apparently he is being accused by the Brazilian government of withholding taxable income when he played for Brazilian Série side, Corinthians. Supposedly they could face up to five years in prison if they are found guilty of the charges.
I'm not going to lay claim to know anything about the situation but the first thoughts that came to my mind are:
A) Mascherano & Tevez are not only Argentinian, but they are part of a very bright future of Argentine futbol. I'm not saying that Brazil is intentionally going after these two because of this, but it doesn't look favorable when one rival is going after another's stars in such a seemingly malicious way. Are you going to guarantee me that there aren't Brazilian footballers who have done or are doing this exact same thing there? I didn't think so.
B) Second, I sincerely doubt that either Mascherano nor Tevez knew about it. Do you really think they manage their own finances when they are basically owned by an investment group (MSI)? I doubt it, especially when what's best for Masche and Tevez and the group is for them to concentrate fully on futbol and not have to worry about money issues. Common sense once again wins out.
Even if they do get convicted, which they probably won't, there's no way they'll serve jail time. That's utterly ridiculous. Fine 'em, ban 'em from ever coming into your country, but prison time just isn't reality.
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