Manchester United boss José Mourinho subject of Spanish tax fraud investigation

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United’s boss may be following those of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar in a similar fashion as the other three: a summons to appear in court.

A Spanish state prosecutor in Madrid revealed in a press hearing today that a claim of two counts of tax evasion, dating back to 2011 and 2012 has been filed when José Mourinho, who became the MU boss last season, was in charge of Real Madrid. The claim, filed by the economic crimes division of the Madrid Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in a courtroom in Pozuelo de Alarcón, included allegations that Mourinho failed to declare income from the use of his image rights in order to get an alleged “illicit benefit.” It also notes two accusations against the Public Treasury for both tax years for a total amount of slightly above €3.30 million (roughly $3.68 million USD). Mourinho has been summoned to appear before a judge July 31 to testify as part of the case against him. Also expected to appear in court the same day as Mourinho is Ronaldo, who also is facing tax evasion charges in the amount of £13 million ($16.41 million USD). Ronaldo denies the allegations and sources close to the striker say he is livid about the situation – to the point of leaving Spain. The news has sparked some serious speculation in regards to the transfer window, as Manchester United, Paris Saint Germain and a plethora of Chinese clubs keeping close tabs on the situation. However, Ronaldo himself has not admitted wanting to leave Real Madrid and it is possible Mourinho has reservations about bringing him back to Old Trafford. Mourinho made a statement earlier:

I have not received any notification with regards to the news published today. To this date, neither the Spanish tax authorities, nor the public prosecutor have contacted me or my advisers who were hired for the inspection process. I lived in Spain from June 2010 until May 2013, paid more than €26 million in taxes (with an average tax rate over 41%) and accepted the regularization proposals made by the Spanish tax authorities in 2015 regarding the years of 2011 and 2012 and entered into a settlement agreement regarding 2013. The Spanish Government in turn, through the Tax Department, issued a certificate in which it attested that I had regularized my position and was in compliance with all of my tax obligations.

Manchester United has vowed to back their man: “The manager has the club’s full backing and can count on our support.”