The Italian skier, Alberto Tomba, has been charged with tax fraud.

Mr Tomba, who announced his retirement from professional sport to pursue an acting career, was charged with failing to declare fourteen million dollars on his tax returns over a seven-year period.

He faces up to five years in prison and fines if convicted.

Mr Tomba, known in Italy as La Bomba, won fifty world cup races and three Olympic titles during his thirteen-year career as a slalom skier.

Six other people have been charged with Mr Tomba, including his father, Franco, who is his business manager.