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President of FC Bayern Munich sentenced to prison more than three years in tax case

According to prosecutors, Uli Hoeness evaded 27,2 million euros

Uli Hoeness EPA/ANDREAS GEBERT

Uli Hoeness

© EPA/ANDREAS GEBERT

Berlin, 13 March. /ITAR-TASS/ President of football club Bayern Munich gets three years and six months in jail for tax evasion. The verdict was handed down by the court in Munich, where the case considered. According to prosecutors Hoeness had concealed from the state 27,2 million euros. The prosecution asked the court to impose a prison term of five and a half years. As mitigating circumstances, the court admitted the president of the football club made out acknowledgment of guilt in January last year. At the same time he had never brought criminal action against before and he fully admitted his guilt.

However the prosecutor Achim von Engel pointed out that confession was not completed and kept not completed data. In addition, the first day on Monday Hoeness said that he had concealed 18,5 million euros. But then, the prosecution presented completed data, where was already 27,2 million euros.

Hoeness will leave the presidency of the FC Bayern Munich, one of the most famous clubs in the country.

Hoeness confession

The head of football club admitted to the charges against him earlier.

"I evaded taxes", he said. "I understand acknowledgment of guilt does not change anything, but I hoped that it will help me to avoid criminal prosecution", he added.

"I’m glad the principle of transparency is on respect now. I’m very sorry about my actions and I do everything upends this difficult case for me", stressed he.

At the same time Hoeness stated he is not going to leave the presidency of the club.

"I do not see any reason why I should leave this post. I have the full sanction of the fans and board of directors", said Hoeness.

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