As it struggles to meet tough European deficit reduction targets that have meant budget cuts for hospitals and schools, Spain recently launched a drive against tax evasion.

A public prosecutor in Spain has accused Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o of evading $4.4 million in taxes owed on income from his image rights when he was playing for Barcelona in 2006-2009.

Now with Russian Premier League club Anzhi Makhachkala, Eto'o is accused of four tax offenses, each punishable with up to five years in prison and fines as much as $26 million.

Eto'o allegedly used two companies he created in Hungary and in Spain to channel income obtained from ceding his image rights to Barca and sportswear maker Puma.