Real Madrid star summoned for July 31 tax hearing

12:23 - 20 June 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing four charges of fraud through offshore companies between 2011 and 2014

The 32-year-old Portuguese star is facing four charges of fraud through offshore companies between 2011 and 2014.

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, accused of evading 14.7 million euros ($16.5 million) in tax, has been summoned to appear before a judge in Spain, judicial sources told AFP on Tuesday.

The hearing will take place at 09:00 GMT on July 31 in a court at Pozuelo de Alarcón, in the suburbs of Madrid, according to Spanish press reports.

Prosecutors accuse Ronaldo, who is the world's highest paid athlete according to Forbes magazine, of evading tax via two companies based in the British Virgin Islands and Ireland.

The four-time world player of the year who said last week his "conscience is clear" is threatening to leave Real Madrid over the affair.

Ronaldo is currently on duty for Portugal at the Confederations Cup in Russia which ends on July 2.