Senn: Cristiano Ronaldo Believes He Has Paid His Tax Correctly
Lawyer Julio Senn, who assessed Cristiano Ronaldo during his recent tax audit, says that the player believes he has committed no wrongdoing and that this will be proven.
The Real Madrid forward is accused of defrauding the Spanish authorities of 14.7 million euros between 2011 and 2014 and, as a result, the Portugal international has been called upon to testify at a trial on July 31 at Madrid’s Pazuelo de Alarcon court.
“The Spanish tax authorities have different criteria to the player and he will defend his position before the courts,” Senn, whose frim Senn Ferrero advised Ronaldo, said.
“He believes he has done everything right and we must wait and see how the situation ends.
“I have only carried out the inspection process for which I was hired when I arrived in Spain.
“The player is very upset with the accusations.”
Senn, who revealed that the “criminal part” of the investigation into Ronaldo will see him represented by the Baker McKenzie firm, also stressed that the continuous coming to light of cases involving high-profile players based in Spain could be negatively impacting upon the image of LaLiga around the world.
“The sports industry is a very competitive one and I think that these issues in Spain could be negative in attracting players to Spanish football,” he added.
“People shouldn’t prejudge these cases, though.
“Football is an extremely competitive sport and Spain does have a big reputation to uphold.”
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, who was convicted of defrauding 4.1m euros, has seen his suspended prison sentence downgraded to a fine.
