Blatter claims football's 'culture' to blame for Ronaldo tax scrutiny

Cristiano Ronaldo is the victim of cultural problems associated with football, according to ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Published : Jun 19, 2017 15:47 IST

Sepp Blatter has claimed a culture of suspicion in football is to blame for the investigation of Cristiano Ronaldo by Spanish tax authorities. 

Prosecutors have filed a complaint in which they accused Ronaldo of a "voluntary" and "conscious" breach of his tax obligations, amounting to a figure of €14.7million.

The Ballon d'Or holder's representatives Gestifute have denied the accusation, while his club Real Madrid have said they are "absolutely convinced that our player Cristiano Ronaldo will prove his total innocence in this process".

Former FIFA president Blatter is serving a six-year ban from all football-related activity over a "disloyal payment" made to former UEFA chief Michel Platini.

In an interview, the 81-year-old Swiss claimed Ronaldo's situation is a consequence of endemic distrust in football compared to other elite sports. 

"One would never suspect [tennis great Roger] Federer, a money-making machine," he said.

Reflecting on the temptation for athletes to break the rules on the field, Blatter cited the example of Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup.

"It's not good, but we cheat anyway," he said. "That's why this sport [football] has set itself some safeguards."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment