Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to receive a two-year prison sentence and substantial fine on Tuesday, after admitting to tax fraud. Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in Madrid for sentencing in a tax fraud case. The 33-year-old is accused of committing four crimes against the Spanish treasury between 2011 and 2014 while he was playing for Real Madrid.
Ronaldo is alleged to have concealed income earned through image rights by using offshore companies. He is expected to be given a hefty fine after Spanish tax authorities and the player’s advisors made a deal to settle claims he hid income generated from image rights when he played for Real Madrid.
The Portugal star is expected to receive a reduced two-year prison sentence and a fine of €18.8million, according to EFE, after striking a plea deal with the prosecution in which he admitted the four charges. The five-time world player of the year spent nine trophy-laden years at Madrid. Under Spanish law, he will not be required to spend any time in jail as it is a first-time offence. Ronaldo attended court early on Tuesday, accompanied by girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.
Sentences of up to two years are generally not enforced in Spain for first-time offenders in non-violent crimes. The judge at the hearing will pass the final sentence. The forward, who left Madrid last year to join Juventus in a €112m deal, missed a penalty in his side’s 3-0 Serie A win over Chievo on Monday.
Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday requested to drive into court to avoid photographers but was denied by officials at the court where he will appear for tax fraud. He was asked to enter the Madrid courthouse on foot on Tuesday after he was refused special treatment.
