Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho have been involved in a multi-million euro "tax evasion" scheme, according to leaked documents.
Twelve European media outlets released details of the alleged money laundering programme, including German publication Der Spiegel, which was supposedly devised by super agent Jorge Mendes.
A number of details relating to the case, as well as more widespread corruption allegations in the sport, are to be released by the newspapers involved over the next three weeks.
It is claimed that Ronaldo and Mourinho may have made use of a tax system which allowed the pair to "hide €150m in tax havens in Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands" - claims that Mendes's company, Gestifute, has since refuted.
A statement released on Friday evening stated that the Portuguese duo "fully respected their obligations vis-a-vis the Spanish and British authorities".
The damning report, led by the Sunday Times in Britain and covering some 18 million leaked documents, reveals that Ronaldo has avoided paying "€31m of taxes".
Allegations of prostitution and exploitation of minors in football is expected to be next on the list, which has been dubbed "Football Leaks".
Daniel Lewis
