Ronaldo denies allegations of tax fraud

June 14, 2017

by xfcedi

Cristiano Ronaldo

It’s been reported that Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of tax fraud totaling €14.7million. The winger has denied the accusations.

It has been a wonderful year for Ronaldo that saw that the player win a host of important trophies and reestablish himself as Real Madrid’s leader. However, things could turn a tad sour for the Portugal international with the news that he will be investigated for suspected tax evasion. Spanish authorities say that Ronaldo may owe them in the region of €14.7million.

Ronaldo scored twice in Real's victory over Juventus in the Champions League final

The Public Treasury lists the sum as part of unpaid taxes between the years of 2011-14. The official letter reads as follows: “Four crimes against the public treasury between 2011-14… which involves tax fraud of  €14,768,897. The accused took advantage of a business structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities, which is a ‘voluntary’ and ‘conscious’ breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain.”

Ronaldo, who moved to Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, has since denied the allegations through his agent Jorge Mendes. The agent issued a statement detailing the deal he has with the player and assures authorities of cooperating fully in offering all needed information in the case.

“The Public Prosecutor has filed today a complaint against Cristiano Ronaldo and not a claim, which implies a substantial change,” Mendes says.

“There is no offshore structure for evading taxes. Tollin is 100 per cent owned by Cristiano Ronaldo since its foundation in 2004. It was founded when the player arrived at Manchester United, six years before his signing for Real Madrid, and the net profits were €12.753.685,28 euros.”

Ronaldo won the Primera Division and Champions league titles with Real Madrid this season

Tollin is the company dealing with Ronaldo’s image rights. The agent says that the agreement was the same one that Ronaldo had with the company before his move to Madrid in 2009. The statement then details the taxes that were paid to the Spanish authorities. In ending Mendes assures of the player’s goodwill throughout the proceedings. “The declared amount can be discussed, but it is clear that the football player did not try to evade taxes.”

Iniesta and Messi celebrating victory

Cristiano Ronaldo joins other athletes who have come under the radar of tax authorities. The most recent and famous example was that of Barcelona rival Lionel Messi, who was similarly accused of dodging taxes. Both players have denied all accusations and it is expected their clubs will continue to show their support for them in the matter.

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