Brazil coach Scolari denies tax evasion claims

Luiz Felipe Scolari, known as 'Big Phil', has denied any wrongdoing. Picture: Getty

BRAZIL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has vehemently denied allegations of tax evasion.

According to media reports, the Department for Criminal Investigation and Prosecution in Portugal has opened an inquiry into the 65-year-old tactician for suspected tax irregularities.

Scolari coached Portugal for five years before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2008.

A statement from Scolari read: “I have filed all my tax returns correctly.

“In every country that I’ve worked, I’ve always claimed my income.

“I’m absolutely sure that I’ve filed all my tax returns correctly.

“If there’s something wrong, it’s not with me.

“The justice system will narrow the facts.”

Scolari, who led Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002, is currently busy preparing for this summer’s top football tournament which his country will host.

Brazil will open the World Cup against Croatia on June 12 in Sao Paulo.