February 10 – Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes (pictured), who represents some of football’s biggest names, is among a number high-profile figures being investigated in his homeland for alleged tax fraud and money laundering according to Portuguese publication Sabado.
Sabado claims Mendes, whose clients include global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho, is among around 40 people, also including the presidents of Porto and Benfica, suspected by the justice system of having defrauded the tax authorities.
The alleged embezzlement of around €20 million reportedly relates to 15 transfers and is apparently based on information from Rui Pinto, the Portuguese whistleblower whose string of incriminating revelations published by Football Leaks shook the footballing hierarchy before he was controversially extradited from Hungary and who is shortly due to face trial.
Among the alleged transfers involved are those of Radamel Falcao, Iker Casillas and James Rodriguez.
In a statement Porto said: “Neither FC Porto nor its President have been questioned about any judicial investigation.”
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