July 30 – Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has been formally charged with tax evasion by German prosecutors today. The high profile tax evasion case that has become a political football in Germany in election year, is refusing to be settled quietly. A statement by the Superior Court in Munich said that the decision on whether to go to trial will take place at the end of September. Hoeness’ legal advisors had asked for a month to respond to the charges.
“Due to the volume of the investigation files as well as the fact that a defence request to delay answering to the charges for one month was granted, a decision of the court on starting a trial is not to be expected before the end of September 2013,” court spokeswoman Andrea Titz said in the statement.
The statement said that no further details on the proceedings would be provided before the court takes its decision.
Hoeness (61) was arrested by police in March during a search of his home and was released on bail of €5m. He had failed to declare a Swiss bank account to the German tax authorities and although the amount of money in the Swiss account has not been released, or the amount of tax believed to be owed, reports are that Hoeness has already paid at least €3.2m in back taxes voluntarily.
Hoeness offered to stand down from his position at Bayern for the period of the investigation, and any subsequent legal action that may arise. The Bayern board rejected the offer.
Hoeness owns a successful sausage company, as well as fulfilling his football commitments.
The case has caused much controversy in Germany as opponents of Chancellor Angela Merkel (a friend of Hoeness) have used it to accuse her of being weak on the issue of tax evasion by wealthy Germans. Merkel said she was “disappointed” in Hoeness’ alleged conduct.
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