Manchester United's new record earner Alexis Sanchez has been handed a 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud, according to the latest reports.

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The Chilean has been accused of tax fraud worth €1 million (R14.8 million) relating to image rights from his time at FC Barcelona.

Sanchez reportedly did not declare his image rights earnings back in the 2012/13 campaign, and has been handed the sentence by a Spanish court, as reported by Football Espana.

However, because the United star is a first-time offender and his sentence is not longer than 24 months, Sanchez will not actually have to go to prison.

He had already admitted to the fraud in January and fully repaid the €1 million, including interest, to ensure his sentence was reduced.

Read: Rooney: What Mourinho Must Do With Pogba

Sanchez is not the first footballer to receive a similar judgement. Lionel Messi was sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax fraud between 2007 and 2009, but his sentence was suspended because – similar to Sanchez – the Argentine was a first-time offender.

Why do you think so many players in Spain are guilty of tax fraud? Have your say in the comments section below.