Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a tax evasion investigation, according to AFP. The report says Ronaldo and other big names in world soccer, like Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, have benefited from tax havens, with the player reportedly being a system set up by agent Jorge Mendes.
A group of 12 European newspapers on Friday published what it claims are details of tax arrangements made by several top soccer players and coaches, including Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil.
Nothing yet from Ronaldo himself, but Marca quoted an official spokesperson.
“An official spokesperson from Ronaldo’s camp has stated that the player has been aware of his tax obligations since beginning his career, is not currently and has never been in trouble with the treasury, and manages his image rights according to current legislation.”
Based on leaked documents obtained by German weekly Der Spiegel, the outlets claim that Real Madrid and Portuguese star Ronaldo could have “hidden 150 million euros in tax havens in Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands”.
“On this amount, the striker paid only 5.6 million euros in taxes, or barely four percent,” added the report.
More than 18 million leaked documents have been examined in the expose.
In weeks to come, the media organisations, which include Der Spiegel, The Sunday Times in Britain and Spain’s El Mundo, say they will also publish allegations of prostitution and exploitation of minors in football.