Real Madrid have ‘full confidence’ in Cristiano Ronaldo over tax allegations
Real Madrid insist they have „full confidence“ in Cristiano Ronaldo with the forward facing allegations that he defrauded the Spanish tax office of 14.7million euros (£12.9m).
The Portugal captain has been accused by Madrid’s regional state prosecutor of four counts of tax fraud relating to image rights payments – which have been denied by Ronaldo’s representatives.
La Liga champions Real Madrid, who signed the 32-year-old from Manchester United in 2009, have backed their star player to „prove his total innocence“.
A statement on the club’s official website read: „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.
„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.“
The 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 Ronaldo’s time with Manchester United, has acted in accordance with British and Spanish tax laws.
The statement read: „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.
„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.“
