Messi is appealing against the decision of a Spanish court which sentenced him to 21 months. PHOTO: REUTERS
“About Messi, I have said I do not consider him a criminal and I am happy for him to continue in the league,” said Tebas in Madrid at a sponsor’s presentation.
Tebas also reminded critics that Messi is appealing against the decision of a Spanish court which sentenced him to 21 months in prison for tax fraud. His comments came two days after Barcelona defended a campaign on social media in support of Messi.
Barcelona confident Messi will stay, urge fans to support him
“We are involved in a controversy in which there is the feeling that FC Barcelona has committed a tax crime whereas that is not the case,” said club spokesperson Josep Vives on Monday.
The Spanish giants were only “defending someone who has been and is still being treated unjustly”, he added.
Last Friday, Barcelona took to social media following Messi and his father’s conviction for avoiding paying taxes on €4.16 million of the player’s income earned from his image rights from 2007-09.
Barcelona star Messi sentenced to 21 months in prison
“By making it clear that #WeAreAllMessi, we want Leo to know that he is not alone. All members, supporters clubs, fans, athletes, media and everyone else are invited to participate,” explained a statement on the club’s website.
The prison sentences handed out to Messi and his father are likely to be suspended as is normal in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying a sentence of less than two years.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2016.
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