Pozzo’s jail threat over ‘tax evasion’

WATFORD owner Gino Pozzo has been in the headlines over an alleged Spanish tax offence.

But the reality tells a different story in what has become a who’s who in high-profile cases with footballers, personalities and pop stars.

Spanish prosecutors recommended a 12-year prison sentence for the 59-year-old businessman after accusing him of a “long-term criminal plan” while in charge of Spanish club Granada, for allegedly trying to evade around £8million in tax on transfers.

Pozzo (top), who became Watford’s sole owner in 2014 and relinquished control at Granada a year later, has denied any wrongdoing and will fight to clear his name.

The case against Pozzo had previously been dropped in 2022 because of a lack of evidence.

But the list of previous cases is remarkable – and the vast majority ended up with settlements being paid to the Spanish tax office. Lionel Messi, Javier

Mascherano and Angel Di Maria were all part of a case targeting Argentinian players over alleged tax offences and all were threatened with jail – but all settled.

Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted over a £5.7m sum but settled, while

Xabi Alonso was threatened with five years’ prison but was cleared completely.

Carlo Ancelotti, Luka Modric and Andres Iniesta were all cleared. Gerard Pique was threatened with two years in prison over offshore payments but was cleared.

Pop star Shakira was threatened with eight years over £14m but ended up being fined.

It puts a different slant on Pozzo’s case and Watford remain calm about the situation surrounding their owner.

In fact, things have been very calm at Watford this season.

Valerien Ismael was even rewarded with a new contract last autumn, which is in stark contrast with the usual managerial merry-go-round.