Prosecutors accuse Cristiano Ronaldo of defrauding 14.7 million euros

Prosecutors accuse Cristiano Ronaldo of defrauding 14.7 million euros

Cristiano Ronaldo, investigado por Hacienda por presunta evasión fiscal / | ATLAS

According to 'El Pais', charges have been brought against the Real Madrid star

He's accused of creating a corporate structure to avoid paying tax on image rights

Serious problems for Cristiano Ronaldo. According to El Pais, Spanish prosecutors have brought charges against the Real Madrid foeward for four tax offences between 2011 and 2014 which saw him defraud authorities of 14.7 million euros. 

Prosecutors argue that Ronaldo took advantage of a corporate structure created in 2010 to hid revenue generated via his image rights in Spain, saying that it was a "voluntary" and "conscious" breach of his obligations to pay tax. 

If subsequently found guilty by a judge, Ronaldo is facing a prison sentence of up to five years. 

Lionel Messi was found guilty of a similar offence and his 21-month jail-term was recently confirmed by Spain's Supreme Court. As the punishment was less that two years, though, the Barcelona star's sentence was suspended. 

Speaking earlier this month Ronaldo said he was relaxed over the tax charges hanging over his head and that he "sleeps well" at night. 

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