Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, has denied intentionally committing tax fraud in court. Prosecutors accuse him of failing to declare over €1 million in income from image rights during his first spell at the club in 2014 and 2015. They’re seeking a four-year and nine-month prison sentence and a €3.2 million fine.
Ancelotti claims he didn’t realize anything was wrong and that the payment system was proposed by Real Madrid. He stated that “all the players do it” and that he never considered committing fraud. The trial is expected to last two days, and the parties may reach an out-of-court agreement.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on tax evasion in Spain, particularly targeting football figures. Other notable cases include:
- Jose Mourinho: Received a one-year suspended sentence for tax fraud in 2019.
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: Found guilty of tax evasion, but their prison sentences were waived as first-time offenders.
- Shakira: Agreed to a three-year suspended sentence and paid €7.3 million in fines to settle a tax fraud case in 2023.
Ancelotti’s case highlights the complexities of tax laws and the importance of transparency in financial dealings.
