Gabriel Batistuta's assets frozen over allegations of unpaid tax in Argentina

By Bala Chambers

LONDON (AA) - A former Argentine footballer who played for the national team and a host of clubs in Europe had his assets, valued at more than $34.7 million, frozen for alleged unpaid taxes.

Argentine tax authorities (AFIP) seized Gabriel Batistuta's fortunes Tuesday because of late payments.

The measures will be in place for at least five days or until the outstanding taxes have been paid.

The seizure relates to two non-payment of personal assets which expired Oct. 13 and Nov. 13, respectively.

Reconquista Federal Judge Aldo Alurralde, in Santa Fe province north of Buenos Aires, filed a court order which places a "preventive embargo on funds and assets" belonging to Batistuta.

In addition, there is also a 15% interest to be paid on the outstanding sum, plus court fees and social contributions for a total of about 4 million Argentine pesos ($36,400).

Batistuta has been involved in tax issues in Argentina in recent years, following the government's tax on large fortunes known as the "solidarity contribution."

He began legal proceedings against the AFIP to avoid payment, arguing the contribution was unfair.

The former footballer joins several wealthy Argentine athletes who have fought against the measure, notably Carlos Tevez and Diego Placente.

In his homeland, Batistuta is affectionately known as Batigol because of his ability to score goals.

Prior to moving to Europe, he played for powerhouses River Plate and Boca Juniors in Argentina, before asserting himself on the European pitch in Italy -- first at Fiorentina before heading to Roma and finally Inter Milan.

In Italy's Serie A, Batistuta scored 183 goals in 318 games.

Internationally, he held Argentina's all-time goal-scoring record, notching 54 goals in 77 matches, until he was surpassed by Lionel Messi in 2016.

He participated in three world cup tournaments, scoring 10 goals.

He retired from the beautiful game in 2005 after a spell in the Middle East with Al-Arabi SC in Qatar.