Cristiano Ronaldo could face tax-fraud charges in Spain

Spanish prosecutors are considering whether Ronaldo should face charges over allegations by the country's tax agency that he defrauded the authorities of 15 million euros between 2011 and 2014.

Updated: May 26, 2017 10:51 AM IST

By Abhishek Nandwani

Cristiano Ronaldo could face tax-fraud charges in Spain

Spanish prosecutors are considering whether Cristiano Ronaldo should face charges over allegations by the country’s tax agency that he defrauded the authorities of 15 million euros ($16.7 million) between 2011 and 2014.

Prosecutors said on Thursday they have until the end of June to decide whether to charge the Real Madrid star, based on evidence from an investigation by tax officials.

According to Cadena COPE‘s Partidazo and SER’s Larguero, the case relates to image rights but prosecutors are still trying to work out how to proceed. El Mundo, meanwhile, report that a criminal investigation is likely.

If Ronaldo failed to declare his payments due to an administrative error, there will not be a severe punishment. However, he could face a prison sentence if it is proven to be a full tax evasion offence.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was convicted of tax fraud last year. Messi was sentenced to 21 months in jail earlier this week – but it is unlikely that he will spend any time behind bars.

In Spain, first time offenders do not serve their sentences behind bars if they are less than two years.

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