NHL Legend Esa Tikkanen Convicted of Tax Evasion
Esa Tikkanen, a name synonymous with NHL glory days, finds himself in a less celebrated spotlight. Teh five-time Stanley Cup champion, renowned for his time with the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers, has been convicted of tax evasion in his native Finland.
Tikkanen, a former teammate of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, faced charges stemming from his earnings between 2014 and 2018 as a hockey analyst and brand ambassador for Unibet, a prominent betting company. The prosecution alleged that he avoided paying taxes on €410,000 (approximately $430,000 USD at the time) in earnings, resulting in a tax loss to Finland of €165,000 (approximately $173,000 USD).
In his defense, Tikkanen argued that he believed Unibet had handled his tax obligations. ”I was a professional hockey player and coach abroad for more than 25 years, and I always had the impression that taxes were paid abroad.As for Unibet, I assumed they would take care of all the taxes,” he stated in court. His lawyer further emphasized tikkanen’s limited formal education and long-term residency abroad, suggesting unfamiliarity with Finnish tax laws.
Though, the court rejected these arguments. The judgment stated, “Alleged ignorance of tax liability cannot be considered a credible explanation.” Tikkanen received a one-year suspended sentence, meaning he will avoid jail time unless he violates his probation. reports indicate that he has since repaid the outstanding taxes.
This case highlights the complexities of international tax laws and the potential pitfalls for individuals with extensive international careers. While Tikkanen’s on-ice achievements are undeniable,this legal setback serves as a reminder that even legendary athletes are not immune to the consequences of tax non-compliance.
Tikkanen’s career spanned 15 seasons in the NHL, where he was known as a tenacious defensive forward. His contributions to the Oilers’ dynasty teams alongside Gretzky and Jarri Kurri cemented his place in hockey history. This recent legal matter, however, adds a new chapter to his already compelling story.
esa Tikkanen,a five-time Stanley Cup champion,was convicted of tax evasion in Finland. [[1]] the charges stemmed from his earnings between 2014 and 2018 as a hockey analyst and brand ambassador. He was accused of avoiding paying taxes on €410,000 in earnings, resulting in a tax loss to Finland of €165,000. [[1]]
Tikkanen argued he believed Unibet, the company he worked for, handled his tax obligations. [[1]] The court rejected his argument and sentenced him to one year of suspended imprisonment. [[1]] [[2]] He has as repaid the outstanding taxes. [[1]]
