MADRID: Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez has become the latest star footballer to fall foul of the Spanish tax authorities.

After a week in which Cristiano Ronaldo agreed a settlement over tax evasion, his former Real Madrid team-mates was alleged to owe more than €11m to the Spanish authorities.

James, loaned for two seasons a year ago by Madrid to Bayern Munich, owes €6.35m from image rights but €11.65m including damages.

The tax action follows his registration as  a non-resident on his transfer from Monaco in May 2014 for €80m. The tax authorities believe that he should have been considered a resident.

On Friday the tax authorities approved an agreement with representatives for Ronaldo under which he agreed to pay a fine of almost €19m and accept a sentence of two years in prison which he will not have to serve, as a first-offender.

Other players caught up in illicit tax arrangements have included Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

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