Bayern boss Hoeness hopeful of avoiding jail over tax claims

Berlin (AFP) - Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has said he is hopeful of avoiding a jail sentence when he faces allegations of tax evasion in court next March.

"I am still of the opinion that my (tax) advisor's work was okay and the verdict must reflect that," Hoeness told Bavarian radio station BR.

Hoeness is accused of hiding millions of euros from tax authorities in a Swiss account and is due to go on trial at Munich's higher regional court on March 10.

The 61-year-old, a 1974 World Cup winner with West Germany, has said he will work tirelessly to convince the court of his innocence, having been arrested in March and released on bail.

Hoeness has said he sees no reason to resign as president of European champions Bayern, but admits making a "big mistake" and says 2013 has been a tough year.

"For my family and I, this has been the hardest year of our lives because this isn't a story which is over in a couple of weeks," said Hoeness.

"We've been going through this for nine months and there is still a quarter of a year to go.

"It's been draining, especially for my family, and I hope they will continue to hold up well through this."

Having won four titles this year after capturing the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup, as well as the UEFA Super Cup, Bayern could now add the Club World Cup.

Bayern take on Morocco's Raja Casablanca on Saturday in the final in Marrakech and Hoeness wants a fifth crown to help expand the Bavarian giants.

"A title like that is very important, because it will carry the popularity of Bayern out into the world," said Hoeness.