Cristiano Ronaldo 'to accept jail term and 16.4m fine' in tax case; oh, and a spoiler
First:
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly agreed to accept a £16.4m (18.8m euro) fine and suspended jail term to settle tax evasion charges.
The Real Madrid and Portugal footballer, 33, was accused last year of defrauding tax authorities of 14.8m (£12.9m), charges he denies.
Ronaldo offered to pay £12.9m in June 2017 but the government rejected the offer, the El Mundo newspaper reported.
The news comes hours before Portugal take on Spain in the World Cup.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-44499138
Yes, so Spain, playing Portugal, have got the star player of the opposing side to agree to a massive fine and suspended prison sentence. So, how have Spain's World Cup preparations been going? Glad you asked:
World Cup 2018: Spain sack manager Julen Lopetegui two days before first match
Spain have sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui after he was named the new Real Madrid boss, two days before their opening World Cup match with Portugal.
Real Madrid announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui would succeed Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu on a three-year deal.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) said it had dismissed the 51-year-old because the negotiation occurred "without any information to the RFEF".
Spain sporting director Fernando Hierro will take charge for the World Cup.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44467548
Yes, Real Madrid, again. You know, the people paying Ronaldo money. So how did the small matter of a World Cup game between them go?
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational late free-kick to round off his hat-trick and salvage a draw for Portugal against Spain in a captivating match.
The Portugal captain put his side ahead with an early penalty and restored their lead just before half-time.
Diego Costa twice equalised with well-taken goals, with Nacho's majestic goal appearing to have won it for Spain.
But Ronaldo stepped up to fire into the top-right corner with two minutes remaining to secure the draw in Sochi.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44408323
Oh, Nacho plays alongside Ronaldo for Real Madrid.