Soccer star’s finances probed

Phillipe Gatier

Ronaldinho was paid the money after joining Paris St Germain, owned by Canal Plus, in 1999.

Police sources say the money was paid through a Canal Plus marketing subsidiary for the player’s image rights.

The Brazilian star subsequently joined Spanish side Barcelona for 30m two years ago. Police again interviewed agents in France yesterday as part of investigations into transfers involving Paris St Germain and Olympique Marseille.

They are investigating allegations of tax evasion through transfers of money between France, Monaco and Switzerland.

The offices of the French football federation, the league and five major clubs were raided last month amid allegations of irregularities involving advertising and television rights deals.

Lens, Bordeaux and champions Lyon were the other clubs under investigation.

The five clubs were members of the now-disbanded Club Europe, launched by television channel Canal Plus in 2001.

It paid E250m to the five clubs to obtain their broadcasting rights.

But the payments stopped and Club Europe was dismantled after protests by Canal Plus shareholders.