Cristiano Ronaldo has won the backing of the Spanish Football League president in his tax evasion case.
The Real Madrid striker is accused of evading £13million in tax payments by Madrid’s criminal prosecution system.
His situation has put former club Manchester United, big-spending Paris Saint-Germain and now Chelsea on red alert should he carry out his intention to leave Spain over the issue.
Ronaldo, 32, is alleged to have committed four crimes between the years of 2011 and 2014 by hiding from the treasury the income generated in Spain by his image rights.
This is known in Spain as a “voluntary and conscious” breach of one’s tax obligations.
The issue has now come to a head, with Ronaldo reported to have told Madrid he wants desire to leave the reigning La Liga and Champions League title holders amid the unwelcome off-field saga.
But LFP chief Javier Tebas, who has told La Sexta: “Knowing the environment and the professional that he is, I have no doubt that Cristiano is innocent.
“We live in a time when any news related to the Spanish treasury is to point out criminals. From what I have read, I am convinced that there is no crime.”
Tebas, of course, knows how much the LFP would suffer if four-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo does leave Madrid.
He added: “It is not possible to quantify, but would be very important.
“Even more so with the international growth of the League. It would be a great loss for us, an irreparable loss. ”
Ronaldo netted 42 goals in 46 appearances for Madrid in 2016-17.
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