Report: Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas pays 1.6 million euros to taxman

MADRID - Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas paid 1.6 million euros ($2.2 million) to settle a debt to the tax authorities, a source close to the player's representatives said on Tuesday.

Casillas, a hero of Spain's triumphant World Cup and Euro campaigns, paid the amount as a "fiscal settlement for his image rights" and committed no offence, said the source, confirming a press report.

Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia cited sources close to the player's financial advisers saying that tax authorities found the amount owing in an audit but did not think he deliberately tried to dodge any payments.

"It was a settlement owing to discrepancies in how the norms were applied. There has not been any problem with the Treasury and it was possible for a settlement to be reached," the source told AFP.

Casillas and his company Ikerca "are up to date with their fiscal obligations", added the source, who asked not to be named.

The taxman also audited other Spain internationals including ex-Barcelona and current Atletico Madrid striker David Villa and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, the newspaper said.

Barcelona's Argentine star striker Lionel Messi appeared in court in September accused of tax evasion along with his father. They denied wrongdoing and paid five million euros to the Treasury.