ROME — Italy’s winning World Cup captain Fabio Cannavaro and his wife are reportedly under investigation for tax evasion.
Local media reported Wednesday that nearly one million euros (more than $1 million) worth of goods linked to the Cannavaros were sequestered by tax police in their hometown of Naples.
The investigation is reportedly related to a luxury yacht company, which has been accused of evading more than one million euros in taxes from 2005-10.
Without providing details, Italy’s tax agency confirmed the reports to The Associated Press.
A statement from Cannavaro’s lawyers said that the inquiry involves a company owned only by the player’s wife, adding that the couple is convinced it did no wrong.
The lawyers, Luigi Petrillo and Virgilio Marino, added that they have been "ordered to provide judicial authorities with any explanation necessary, contesting the seizure carried out today."
Cannavaro is the latest in a long line of sports stars investigated in Italy for tax evasion, with previous cases focusing on Diego Maradona, Valentino Rossi and Alberto Tomba.
The 41-year-old Cannavaro was a defender who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title and earned FIFA’s player of the year award.
After concluding his playing career with Al-Ahli in 2011, Cannavaro became a global ambassador and assistant coach for the Dubai club.