Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho Among Many Accused of Tax Evasion, Laundering

A number of big names in world football, including Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, have been implicated after investigations into tax evasion, money laundering and corruption in the sport.

As Agence France-Presse reported on Friday (via Yahoo Sports), 12 European newspapers, including German outlet Der Spiegel, have united under the banner of "Football Leaks" and are publishing their findings. 

On Tuesday, Real Madrid released a statement on the matter:

"

In view of the stories published over recent days and in consideration of the certificate issued by the Spanish Tax Agency which confirms that our player Cristiano Ronaldo is up to date with all of his tax obligations, Real Madrid C. F. call for the utmost respect to be shown towards Cristiano Ronaldo, whose conduct has been absolutely exemplary throughout all of his time at our club.

"

James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

Among their allegations is the claim Ronaldo has hidden over €150 million in Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands, benefiting from a system created by his agent, Jorge Mendes. Mourinho has allegedly hidden €12 million, per the European Investigative Collaborations (EIC).

Per Der Siegel (h/t Sport Witness), Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has also been implicated:

Football Leaks has also named AS Monaco's Radamel Falcao, another Mendes client, according to Get French Football News. 

More revelations are expected in the coming days.