Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti appeared in a Madrid courtroom today, firmly denying allegations of tax evasion related to his first stint with the club from 2013 to 2015. The Italian coach, who returned to Real Madrid in 2021, faces accusations of failing to pay approximately 1 million euros (�830,000) in taxes on income tied to his image rights during that period. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months, along with a fine of 3.2 million euros (�2.7 million), in a case that has drawn significant attention to tax practices in Spanish football.
Testifying at the Provincial Court of Madrid, Ancelotti maintained his innocence, asserting that he �never thought about committing fraud.� He explained that Real Madrid offered him a net annual salary of 6 million euros (�5.1 million) during his initial tenure, and he relied on his financial advisors to handle the structuring of his earnings. �For me, everything was in order,� Ancelotti told the court, expressing confidence that his tax obligations had been met appropriately.
The allegations center on Ancelotti�s alleged omission of income from image rights in his tax returns, despite reportedly declaring only his salary from Real Madrid. The 65-year-old coach argued that his approach was consistent with common practices at the time, noting, �I thought it was quite normal because, at that time, all the players and the previous coach had done the same.� He further distinguished his situation from that of players, pointing out that coaches typically do not generate additional revenue from merchandise sales, such as jerseys, which often complicates image rights taxation.
This legal battle places Ancelotti among a growing list of football figures embroiled in tax evasion cases in Spain. In 2017, Barcelona�s Lionel Messi avoided a 21-month prison sentence by paying a 252,000-euro fine for similar offenses. In 2019, Real Madrid�s Cristiano Ronaldo settled out of court, paying 18.8 million euros in fines for tax irregularities. Additionally, former Real Madrid manager Jos� Mourinho faced a 2.2-million-euro penalty in 2019 for tax issues during his tenure from 2011 to 2012.
As the trial unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications for Ancelotti�s career and further spotlight the scrutiny of financial dealings within Spain�s football elite. The court has yet to deliver a verdict, leaving the football world awaiting the resolution of this high-stakes legal drama.
