Hiddink found guilty of tax fraud
Russia football manager Guus Hiddink has been handed a six-month suspended sentence and fined £30,000 after being found guilty of tax evasion.

The 60-year-old Dutchman was accused of evading more than £900,000 in Dutch taxes by falsely claiming to be a resident of Belgium in 2002 and 2003.

Prosecuters had sought a 10-month prison sentence but instead Hiddink was handed the maximum fine possible.

Hiddink signed a two-year deal with Russia in July 2006.

His side are ahead of England in their qualifying group for Euro 2008.

Russia lie second in group E, behind leaders Croatia but a point ahead of England.

Hiddink, who can appeal against the decision, has always denied defrauding the tax authorities.

Hiddink, the former South Korea, PSV Eindhoven and Australia boss, had been tipped to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England boss after the 2006 World Cup.

His close relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich also led to rumours he was set to replace Jose Mourinho as manager at Stamford Bridge this summer - but Hiddink has dismissed the reports.

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6399937.stm

Published: 2007/02/27 10:06:12 GMT

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