Just hours ahead of Portugal’s first match of the 2018 World Cup, the Spanish media outlet El Mundo is reporting that Cristiano Ronaldo will pay $21.7 million to Spanish authorities to avoid jail time for tax fraud. According to a story in USA Today, the case has been ongoing for a year, and Ronaldo’s suspended prison sentence would have put him away for two years.
The claim by the Spanish authorities is that Ronaldo defrauded Spain of $17.7 million while playing for Real Madrid between 2011 and 2014. Ronaldo initially denied the accusations before finally agreeing to pay.
Rumors are swirling that Ronaldo could seek to play elsewhere after the World Cup, given his legal troubles in Spain. Ronaldo’s first World Cup match will be against Spain, of all teams.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
