The long Cristiano Ronaldo tax evasion saga appears to have come to an end. On the same day that Portugal opens their World Cup against Iberian rivals Spain, Ronaldo has settled with Spanish authorities to the tune of €18.8 million. He’ll receive a two-year suspended sentence, meaning he’ll stay out of jail as long as he doesn’t commit any more crimes.
Cristiano Ronaldo reaches €19 million tax evasion settlement, won’t go to jail for now
The Real Madrid and Portugal star receives a two-year suspended sentence, meaning he’ll only go to prison if he commits another crime.
Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images
Somewhat hilariously, Ronaldo reportedly asked to see Lionel Messi’s tax file during negotiations in an attempt to figure out what a fair settlement might look like. It does not appear his request was granted, but his attorneys were still able to work out an agreement that worked for all parties.
As part of Ronaldo’s agreement with the Spanish tax office, his agent Jorge Mendes, their business partner Luis Correia, and his lawyer Carlos Osorio will not be charged with any crimes in connection with assisting Ronaldo in evading taxes.
Ronaldo was accused of committing four tax evasion offenses between 2011 and 2014 in order to hide more than €150 million in income from the Spanish tax office. Last season, Ronaldo said he felt unfairly persecuted by Spanish authorities and threatened to leave Real Madrid because of it, though he was ultimately persuaded to stay.
See More:
