Cristiano Ronaldo is at the centre of tax allegations. Real Madrid launched a staunch defence of Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday following the recent allegations of tax evasion. The Portuguese three-time World Player of the Year has been accused of hiding millions of euros earned from image rights in tax havens. A statement on the website of La Liga club read: "In light of the information published in recent days and the certificate released by the Spanish tax agency which shows our player Cristiano Ronaldo is up to date with all his tax obligations, Real Madrid demand the maximum respect for a player like Cristiano Ronaldo."

The statement added that his "behaviour has been exemplary during his entire time at our club". Guillem Balague reflects on the 1-1 draw between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, quoting documentation from the Football Leaks website, alleged the former Manchester United forward had benefited from keeping assets in a tax haven. The website said the footballer of the year favourite had used Irish-based Multisports & Image Management Limited to ramp down his tax burden below what he would have been subject to in Spain. Gestifute, the company run by Ronaldo's and Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes, defended their clients' action with a statement released on December 2 reading they had respected "fully their obligations regarding Spanish and British authorities".