Cristiano Ronaldo tried to prevent the publication of police files relating to a sexual assault case against him, a court will hear next week, according to reports.
The Manchester United and Portugal forward has been accused of raping US citizen Kathryn Mayorga in a hotel room in 2009, weeks before he signed for Real Madrid from United for a then world record transfer fee.
And according to The Mirror, Ronaldo is fighting an attempt to give The New York Times newspaper access to the documents, which are being held by Las Vegas police.
The allegation, which Ronaldo has always denied, first came to light in 2018 following an investigation by German magazine Der Spiegel, prompted by information obtained by the Football Leaks website.
According to The Mirror's report, Ronaldo's legal team argue that the information was obtained illegally by Football Leaks and was a breach of attorney-client privilege.
Ms Mayora's lawyers agree that the information should not be published until a court has pronounced on whether it infringes the footballer's legal rights but they believe the remaining documents, said to be over 400, should be released to The New York Times.
Judge Jennifer A Dorsey will hear legal arguments from both sides in court on Tuesday, according to The Mirror, with a final hearing on Ronaldo's efforts to keep the files out of the public domain scheduled for a later date.
Last October, the case was recommended for dismissal by a Las Vegas court.
According to The Mirror and Der Spiegel, Ronaldo settled a case with Ms Mayorga 12 years ago for £375,000.
She then sought to overturn that original settlement in 2018 after being encouraged by the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct following accusations made against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and other famous figures.
She is now seeking more than £56 million in damages and costs.
Ronaldo has always maintained his relations with Mayorga were consensual.
In 2018, Ronaldo said: 'I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything I am and believe in.'
Ronaldo's girlfriend, 26-year-old Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez, has also stood by him over the claims.
Wuheklrtuy
264
gold diggers are targeting soccer players, guys must be careful with that
King185
197
Unlike the greenwood incident there isn't any proof that he raped her and her actions seem to show that she only wants money. However young upcoming stars and even older players should use this as a lesson to not get involved with just random women or at least record her giving you consent. It's time for men to use wisdom.
hiudmstuz
125
Yes Gold diggers Only for money
Lanakmp
117
Well, she went into his hotel room for what, and now/then she accusing him rape, which doesn't make sense to me
jakacdkrst
77
Zumairstuz
68
I don't know why he doesn't want this to come out, Ronald looks guilty of this crime
Veaeimnotu
58
56 million??? can open hundreds of brothels in thailand🤣🤣
jakacdkrst
54
9jaysuchapter
20
I respect this guy
DanielEtele
17
I don't know why he doesn't want this to come out, Ronald looks guilty of this crime
lol at he looks guilty. Dude. Talking about rape accusations alone costs him millions. Wether or not he is wrongly accused or not. Why did she take a settlement before. She seems hungry for money. We can look at it in different ways. It’s a mess for him having so this in the media tarnishing his image. Don’t forget he represents many brands. The public thinks all men are rapists already anyways
Brazil4Everr
16
I don't know why he doesn't want this to come out, Ronald looks guilty of this crime
If someone would threaten you to tell everyone that you raped her, even if you didn't, would you be OK with that? Neither would be Ronaldo.
fucblmsuz
12
gold diggers are targeting soccer players, guys must be careful with that
True ,she is just in search of 💰.