Atletico Madrid Star Diego Costa Jailed, Fined for Tax Evasion

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has been handed a six-month prison sentence for tax fraud in Spain, although he will avoid jail by paying a fine.

The former Chelsea forward admitted to a tax offence involving about €1.1 million after authorities accused him of failing to properly declare income connected to his move to Chelsea in 2014.

Spanish reports said Costa did not fully declare payments worth more than €5 million, including income linked to image rights.

The 31-year-old reached an agreement with prosecutors under which the prison sentence would be replaced by a financial penalty.

Costa was also ordered to pay a substantial fine, along with the tax and interest owed.

According to reports, the striker had previously asked Atletico Madrid to cover the financial penalty, but the club refused. However, Atletico reportedly provided him with an advance on his wages to help him settle the amount.

Costa had already appeared before authorities the previous year and acknowledged the charges against him.

An Atletico Madrid spokesman said an agreement had been reached with prosecutors months earlier and that Costa had already paid the required fine and interest.

“Diego Costa reached an agreement a few months ago with the prosecutor and has already paid the corresponding fine plus interest,” the spokesman said.

The agreement was expected to be formally ratified in court.