Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti Denies Tax Fraud Allegations
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has denied any wrongdoing in his ongoing tax fraud trial in Spain, where prosecutors are seeking a four-year, nine-month jail term over allegations that he failed to declare more than €1 million ($1.1 million) in income from image rights during his first tenure at the club in 2014 and 2015.
Ancelotti, a five-time Champions League-winning coach, insisted he was unaware of any fraudulent activity, explaining that he had followed Real Madrid’s advice regarding the setup of a firm that handled 15% of his €6 million salary as image rights. He claimed he never realized this reduced his tax obligations.
He also pointed out that other coaches, including José Mourinho, had similar arrangements at the time. Ancelotti’s wife, son, and stepdaughter also testified, with the coach maintaining his innocence and stating he felt “at ease” after the trial’s first day.
The trial, which continues on Thursday, could result in an out-of-court settlement, similar to previous cases involving football figures. Spain has intensified its tax fraud crackdown, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mourinho all receiving suspended sentences in past settlements.
