Bayern Munich boss Hoeness sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for tax evasion

A German court has sentenced the president of the prestigious soccer club Bayern Munich, Uli Hoeness, to three-and-a-half years in prison for dodging taxes. The high-profile trial has gripped the nation.

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A regional court in the southern German city of Munich on Thursday found Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness guilty on seven counts of serious tax evasion and sentenced him to three-and a half years in prison.

Both the prosecution and defense can appeal the sentence at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe.

Hoeness has a week to decide whether to appeal, during which time he remains out of prison.

The prosecution had called on Thursday for a five-and-a-half year sentence, while Hoeness' defense pleaded for at the most a suspended sentence. The maximum term for major tax fraud in Germany is 10 years, though sentences are usually shorter.

Hoeness was originally charged with dodging 3.5 million euros in taxes, but on Monday admitted to avoiding 15 million euros more than that.

However, testimony given on Tuesday revealed that Hoeness, 62, in fact withheld 27.2 million euros ($37.91 million) from the tax man.

The defense accepted this figure, calling it "accurate."

Self-disclosure

Hoeness had reported himself to tax authorities in January last year.

The case hinged on whether the court found that his confession was made early enough, before an investigation began of his tax affairs, and whether it was comprehensive enough.

In handing down the sentence, judge Rupert Heindl ruled that Hoeness' voluntary disclosure was incomplete, thus failing to meet a vital requirement needed for amnesty under German tax laws aimed at encouraging tax dodgers to come clean.

Hoeness, once a star player, also runs a successful sausage-making business in addition to being Bayern Munich president and chairman of its supervisory board. Under his presidency, the club has become one of the world's top teams.

He is now expected to quickly step down from his positions in the club.

Thousands of Germans have paid back taxes to avoid prosecution since news of Hoeness' prosecution and trial hit the media. Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition has also come under increased pressure to crack down on tax evaders.

tj/slk (AFP, Reuters, AP) DW