A German court has convicted Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness of tax evasion and sentenced him to three-and-a-half years in prison.
Hoeness is a former Bayern Munich and German player who has helped turn the Bavarian club into one of the most powerful in Europe.
"In the name of the people, Mr Ulrich Hoeness is sentenced for seven serious counts of tax evasion to a prison term of three years and six months," said judge Rupert Heindl in the Munich court.
Prosecutors had argued that Hoeness's voluntary disclosure that he had failed to pay taxes was incomplete.
They said it did not meet a vital requirement needed for amnesty under German tax laws designed to encourage tax evaders to come clean.
Hoeness has admitted he evaded €27.2m in taxes on income earned in secret Swiss bank accounts.
The 62-year-old was hoping for leniency in one of the most closely watched tax evasion cases in German history.
The case hinged on the question whether Hoeness fully cooperated with his voluntary disclosure.
Hoeness won the European Cup and World Cup during a glittering career.
Subject: Bayern Munich's Uli Hoeness jailed for tax evasion 
