Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti Denies Tax Fraud Charges

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti appeared in court to deny accusations of tax fraud, stating that he never intended to evade taxes. Prosecutors allege that Ancelotti failed to declare income from image rights in 2014 and 2015 during his first tenure at the club, amounting to over one million euros.

The 65-year-old Italian coach told the High Court of Justice in Madrid that the payment system was suggested by Real Madrid and that he did not directly handle the financial arrangements, as the club coordinated with his advisor. He emphasized that he never considered committing fraud and was unaware that the company managing his image rights could reduce his tax liability.

Ancelotti, who is facing a potential jail term of four years and nine months, claimed that using shell companies to manage image rights was common practice among players and coaches at the time, including former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.

In recent years, Spain has intensified its crackdown on tax evasion among high-profile sports figures. Notably, Mourinho received a suspended sentence for tax fraud in 2019, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were also found guilty of tax evasion but had their prison sentences waived.

The trial, which is expected to last two days, could end with an out-of-court settlement, as similar cases have often been resolved through negotiated agreements.