BAYERN MUNICH PRESIDENT Uli Hoeness has said he is hopeful of avoiding a jail sentence when he faces allegations of tax evasion in court next March.
“I am still of the opinion that my (tax) advisor’s work was okay and the verdict must reflect that,” Hoeness told Bavarian radio station BR.
Hoeness is accused of hiding millions of euros from tax authorities in a Swiss account and is due to go on trial at Munich’s higher regional court on March 10.
The 61-year-old, a 1974 World Cup winner with West Germany, has said he will work tirelessly to convince the court of his innocence, having been arrested in March and released on bail.
Hoeness has said he sees no reason to resign as president of European champions Bayern, but admits making a “big mistake” and says 2013 has been a tough year.
“For my family and I, this has been the hardest year of our lives because this isn’t a story which is over in a couple of weeks,” said Hoeness.
“We’ve been going through this for nine months and there is still a quarter of a year to go.
“It’s been draining, especially for my family, and I hope they will continue to hold up well through this.”
Having won four titles this year after capturing the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup, as well as the UEFA Super Cup, Bayern could now add the Club World Cup.
Bayern take on Morocco’s Raja Casablanca on Saturday in the final in Marrakech and Hoeness wants a fifth crown to help expand the Bavarian giants.
“A title like that is very important, because it will carry the popularity of Bayern out into the world,” said Hoeness.
Best of luck to Cathal. He comes across as very smart and mature, and more importantly, decent person.
It’s a shame he didn’t make it further on ufc due to the above. He would of been a great spokesman for the sport and for his voluntary work with mental health.
link to voluntary work with mental health?
Getting battered around the head, couldn’t be good for ones mental health, could it?
The ufc in this case can be a step in some for something even bigger, who knows!
One thing he doesn’t lack is heart. Best of luck in your new venture Cathal.
Seems like a great guy and a gent. I still have nightmares about the rude and ill informed interview Ray Darcy did with him on his radio show where he kept referring to him as “Conor”.
Couple of q’s… When is the restaurant opening and where is it? Thanks for the memories Cathal
“All I had was hard work ethic, and a never say die attitude” certainly enough to succeed in the UFC… but a recipe for success outside of it. Best of luck Pendred.
Well spoken and really understands this own decisions and there’s parts were he’s inspirational too,
sad to see him go.
some people suit the sport.