Barcelona's Javier Mascherano admits to not paying taxes in Spain

Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has admitted that he did not pay tax across a two-year spell while living in Spain.

The 31-year-old was charged with tax fraud last month in relation to a €1.5m (£1.07m) sum that was not paid to the relevant authorities for 2011 and 2012.

In a Barcelona court today, the Argentina international, who was accused of hiding the money in the cash earned from image rights, admitted to the charges and has already paid back the sum, according to ESPN.

Mascherano's lawyers are expected to settle with prosecutors in order to prevent a trial.