Date is offically set for Messi tax fraud trial

Lionel Messi’s trial for tax fraud will start just three days
after the Champions League final, a Catalan court decided
on Wednesday.

The final of European football’s showpiece even will be on
May 28 in Milan, with Messi and his father, Jorge, then cited
to appear in court between May 31 and June 3.

They are accused of defrauding Spain’s tax office of €4.1
million between 2007 and 2009.

Jorge Messi is at the centre of the alleged unlawful activities
- and he could face a possible prison sentence of 18 months
- but authorities claimed the Barca star knew enough to also
be named in the case.

As well as coming jut three days after the Champions
League final, the trial begins just days before the centenary
edition of the Copa America.

Messi is expected to feature for Argentina in the tournament,
which takes place in the United States, although he will not
take part in the Olympics later in the summer.

News of Messi’s trial comes just one week after Neymar
was orderer to appear in court regarding the transfer which
took him from Santos to Barcelona.

The Brazilian’s presence has been requested on February 2
to give evidence regarding the fraud and corruption charges
relating to the 2013 move.