Prosecutors demand lengthy jail term for Atletico president Gil

Prosecutors have demanded a seventeen-and-a-half year prison sentence against Atletico Madrid president Jesus Gil for alleged illegal enrichment in his management of the Spanish first division club.

Anti-corruption prosecutor Carlos Castresana on Friday accused Gil of false accounting and forging contracts in the club where his family are the main shareholders.

Castresana also demanded ten years jail against Gil's son, Miguel Angel Gil, the club's director general, and six years for vice-president Enrique Cerezo.

The flamboyant construction tycoon and mayor of Marbella has been a controversial figure since he took over as Atletico president in 1987.

He was sent to jail in 1999 amid an investigation into the club's shirt sponsorship deal with the town of Marbella.

But the 69-year-old has denied all allegations against him.

"I put 126 million euros (into the club) since 1987. I haven't profited from a single peseta," said Gil. "I bought a bankrupt club. Who did I cheat?"

"I've endured 22 legal actions and many of them have been dismissedThis is never going to end. It's martyrdom. I know that this room is independent, but Your Honour, leave me in peace, don't hunt me down."

The numerous trials of Gil plunged the former Spanish footballing giants into turmoil with the club dropping into the second division for two years before their return to the elite this season.

Atletico are currently midtable in the Premira Liga.