Cristiano Ronaldo 'accepts' two-year suspended jail sentence and huge fine to settle tax evasion case

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly accepted a two-year suspended prison sentence to end his tax fraud case.

The Portugal legend, who is due to play his first World Cup game this evening, was accused by Spanish prosecutors of defrauding tax authorities of €14.8m (£12.9m).

Ronaldo strongly denied the offence when he appeared in court last July but the case has been rumbling on and proven an unwanted distraction for the forward.

Having seen an initial offer to settle the case knocked back last month, Spanish daily newspaper El Mundo now claim the 33-year-old has struck a deal.

That deal, the newspaper claims, sees Ronaldo admit his guilt in exchange for a reduced charge.

READ MORE: Ranked: Every World Cup mascot from best to worst

He will now pay €18.8m (£16.4m) and has been slapped with the suspended jail term rather than spending time behind bars, given his lack of previous convictions.

Ronaldo was originally told he would need to pay all of the cash up front but will now pay just €5.7m (£5m) immediately before later paying the balance in fines.

El Mundo suggests everything is in place to settle the case but no deal has been signed yet due to Ronaldo’s participation in the World Cup.

Portugal take on Spain in their opening Group B match tonight.

READ MORE: The 10 worst sides EVER to appear in the World Cup

The Spaniards’ preparations for the World Cup have been rocked by the sudden dismissal of Julen Lopetegui this week following his appointment as the new Real Madrid boss.

Fernando Hierro will take charge of the team for their campaign in Russia.