World No.7 Tomas Berdych is one of 300 Czech names mentioned in the leaking of the Panama Papers.
The Panama papers are the biggest leak of data in history. The 11.5m files are from the database of offshore law firm, Mossack Fonseca (the world’s fourth biggest offshore law firm). The files alleged widespread tax evasion by senior figures around the world, who invest their money in foreign investments to avoid tax.
The impact of the revelations has already caused political turmoil in Iceland, where their prime minister has resigned from office following the publication of the papers. The data have sparked investigations around the world in countries such as Great Britain, France, India, Australia and Sweden.
According to Czech media, Berdych has been named in the files. According to radio.cz, Berdych is suspected of using offshore companies to avoid paying tax in his home country, however, there is currently no evidence to prove that the world No.7 has done anything wrong.
Bohuslav Sobotka, the prime minister of the Czech Republic, has ordered tax authorities to conduct an investigation into these claims.
“The tax authorities must react to this data leak and check out the information published. I expect a detailed and thorough investigation into the activities of those Czechs whose names have appeared on the Panama Papers files.” Sobotka said.
Currently Berdych is the only tennis player that has been publicly named in the leaked files, however, other numerous sporting figures have also been mentioned. Barcelona FC player Lionel Messi has publicly denied any wrong doping after being named. Meanwhile, FIFA (footballs governing body) is once again in turmoil after its president, Gianni Infantino, reportedly signed off on a contract with two businessmen who have since been accused of bribery according to the files.
30-year-old Berdych currently has a prize money total of $24,408,704, placing him ninth in the ATP prize money leaders (which is headed by Novak Djokovic who has $98,199,548).
The is yet to be any comment from Berdych regarding the allegations.
