Cristiano Ronaldo could face six years in jail in tax case - Spanish official

Ronaldo’s tax affairs are making headlines in Spain after documents released by Football Leaks and featured in major newspapers alleged the Real Madrid superstar has diverted €150 million of income to offshore tax havens.

In December 2015, an investigation was reportedly opened into Ronaldo’s tax declarations in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Jose Maria Mollinedo, secretary general of the GESTHA union, says if he goes to trial and is found guilty of tax evasion then he could face a substantial jail sentence - Ronaldo denies any wrongdoing.

"The information about Cristiano Ronaldo makes it look like he could have defrauded more than €150 million," he said on Rac1.

"We'd be looking at a major fiscal crime. This would fit a minimum prison sentence for each tax year of the fraud. If the open inspection is for three years, [then it would be] a minimum of six years in prison.”

Ronaldo’s great rival Lionel Messi was handed a 21-month jail sentence after being found guilty of tax fraud in July but did not have to serve the sentence as under Spanish law, a sentence of under two years can be suspended.

Jose Mourinho was also accused in the Football Leaks stories but Gestifute, which represents both the Manchester United manager and Ronaldo, said in a statement: "Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho are fully compliant with their tax obligations with the Spanish and British tax authorities.

"Neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Jose Mourinho have ever been involved in legal proceedings regarding the commission of a tax offence.”