Gestifute, the agency representing Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has released a statement denying that the player was part of a tax evasion scheme.
The agency insists the 31-year-old has met all his tax obligations in full.
German newspaper, Der Spiegel, claims Ronaldo has “hidden 150 million euros in tax havens in Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands”.
Supposed leaked documents obtained by 12 European newspapers, also suggest Ronaldo and Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, could be involved in a multi-million-Euro “tax evasion and money laundering” scheme.
It is claimed that Gestifute put in place structures, to ensure the Portugal captain allegedly avoided paying taxes.
Now the agency, owned by Ronaldo’s long-time agent and friend Jorge Mendes, has released a further statement in response.
It read: “After the news that has been published in the last days on alleged irregularities of Cristiano Ronaldo’s tax declarations we hereby disclose the official document issued by the Spanish Tax agency confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo is up to date on his obligations, as he has always been in every country where he has played.
“Gestifute insists on taking all legal actions required to defend its interests, the interests of all of its clients, against biased, false and manipulated information.
“When dealing with his clients and the authorities, Gestifute has always been fully committed with the observance of the best practices in all the countries in which operates.
“The company’s objective is to provide the best professional advice to its clients in every market, according to the local regulation, as it was and is the case with Cristiano Ronaldo and other clients.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has always acted in good faith in this matter, as the fact that he has never been involved in any conflict with the Tax Authorities from any country where he has lived clearly shows.
“European Tax Agencies have different approaches on image rights regulations. Residents in foreign countries often are affected by these different approaches, that they nevertheless respect and observe. In those cases in which there were disputes with the Local authorities, all of them have been satisfactory solved by common agreement without any legal proceedings being opened.”
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