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Tax fraud allegation: Madrid convinced Ronaldo will prove his innocence

June 14, 2017 9:57 pm

3) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United–Real Madrid, 2009) £80m The winger wanted to move to Real in the summer of 2008 but was persuaded to remain at Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson. A year later, and with another Premier League title to his name, he finally sealed his dream transfer, becoming the world’s most expensive player in the process. Since then the 31-year-old has gone onto score an astonishing 364 goals in 347 matches for the Spanish club, helping them to two Champions League titles and La Liga in 2012. This summer he also guided Portugal to Euro 2016 glory. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Real Madrid say they have full confidence that Cristiano Ronaldo will clear himself of tax evasion allegations.

Ronaldo was accused by Madrid’s regional state prosecutor of four counts of tax fraud relating to image rights payments – allegations which have been denied by the player’s representatives.

The Spanish champions say the Portuguese forward has always fulfilled his tax obligations since arriving from Manchester United in 2009.

“Real Madrid CF shows their full confidence in our player Cristiano Ronaldo, who we understand has acted in accordance with the legality regarding compliance with their tax obligations,” read a statement by the club.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has always shown since his arrival at Real Madrid CF, in July 2009, a clear will to fulfil all his tax obligations.

“Real Madrid CF is absolutely convinced that our player Cristiano Ronaldo will prove his total innocence in this process.

“Real Madrid CF hopes that the Justice will act as quickly as possible so that its innocence can be demonstrated as soon as possible.”

Madrid’s regional state prosecutor alleged Ronaldo used an off-shore company to hide a portion of his income from the tax office.

However, a statement from Ronaldo’s management company, Gestifute, insisted the company, Tollin, which was established during the player’s time with Manchester United, has acted in accordance with British and Spanish tax laws.

“Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2009 under the Law of Impatriots, legislation in force and prevailing then, and he was taxed only for the incomes that were attributable to Spain,” a statement read.

“The Prosecutor’s Office says that the player declared the income derived from the transfer of image rights as income from movable capital to evade taxes.

“The laws applicable to Cristiano Ronaldo are the Personal Income Tax Law and the Impatriots Law. In Articles 25.4 and 13.1.F3, respectively, it is clear that the player’s income for image rights is considered to be as movable capital and will only exceptionally be income from an economic activity.

“The player declared to the Tax Authorities 100 per cent of the part attributable to Spain of Tollin’s income and his image rights during the periods 2009-2014 and 2015-2020.

“All this according to the criteria set by the United Kingdom Treasury to determine that part of the image transfer revenue was originated in that country, which shows that there was no intention to defraud.

“In conclusion: the declared amount can be discussed, but it is clear that the football player did not try to evade taxes.”