Victor Valdes faces prosecution over test irregularities
Middlesbrough goalkeeper Victor Valdes is facing prosecution over claims he took part in a scheme which saw people obtaining yacht licences after tests were passed by others.
The former Barcelona goalkeeper was last year named as one of 81 individuals being investigated in Spain as part of a big crackdown on falsifying tests to obtain the required licences to sail a boat or skipper a yacht.
This week has seen it confirmed in Valencia that Valdes is one of eleven people set to face prosecution over the investigation. The Middlesbrough player will now have to answer to the charges.
The case dates back to 2011 and it’s been alleged that Valdes is one of many who paid between €2k and €3k to obtain false documents.
La Provincia reported last year that Valdes didn’t take any lessons but managed to get a yacht licence after another man used his documents and passed the test.
Marca, El Confidencial and others are covering the story in Spain, and it’s one which has understandably caught the imagination of the media. There’s been no indication yet as to what process the Middlesbrough player faces and any disruption that may cause to his work with the club.
Valdes will at the very least be embarassed by the situation in Spain and the damage to his reputation. Since the announcement from a Valencia court, there’s been no word from Valdes’ side to provide an explanation.
Middlesbrough signed Valdes on a free transfer during the last summer window and he’s gone on to prove a good recruit for Aitor Karanka, getting his career back on track after a disappointing time at Manchester United and less than perfect spell in Belgium.
Karanka will hope the developments don’t distract his goalkeeper at a crucial stage of the season.
