Prosecutors Demand Nearly 5 Years in Prison Over Alleged €1 Million Tax Evasion During First Madrid Spell
The high-profile tax fraud trial of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti concluded in Madrid on Thursday, with Spanish prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months for the legendary football coach. The 65-year-old is accused of failing to declare over €1 million (£854,000) in earnings from image rights during his first stint at Real Madrid between 2014 and 2015.
Prosecutors allege Ancelotti used a “confusing” network of shell companies to hide income from image rights and real estate, only declaring his official salary to tax authorities. In closing arguments, the lead prosecutor insisted the charges of fraud and concealment had been proven, maintaining the demand for a near five-year jail term.
Ancelotti, who has won a record five Champions League titles as a manager, denied any intentional wrongdoing when he testified on Wednesday. He claimed he followed Real Madrid’s advice at the time, setting up a company to manage a portion of his salary as image rights—a common practice among players and coaches.
“Back then, everyone was doing it this way—it seemed normal,” Ancelotti told the court, even citing former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho as having a similar arrangement. His defense lawyer argued that the Italian coach “did not fully understand what he was signing” and called for an acquittal, accusing Spanish tax authorities of seeking a “public humiliation” by pushing the case to trial rather than settling privately.
Spain has aggressively pursued high-profile football figures over tax evasion in recent years. Mourinho accepted a one-year suspended sentence in 2019, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were also found guilty but avoided jail as first-time offenders.
Ancelotti, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest managers, has enjoyed success across Europe, winning league titles in England, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. His legal troubles stem from his first spell at Real Madrid, before he returned in 2021 to lead the club to further glory.
A verdict is expected in the coming weeks. If convicted, Ancelotti could face prison time, though legal experts suggest a suspended sentence or fine is more likely given precedents in similar cases. For now, the Italian remains focused on football, with Real Madrid still competing for La Liga and Champions League honors this season.
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