Ancelotti faces trial in Spain for tax evasion

Reuters

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to appear in court on Wednesday over allegations of failing to pay €1 million in taxes on image rights earnings during his first tenure at the club. Prosecutors seek a prison sentence of nearly five years and a €3.2 million fine.

Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid, will stand trial in Spain starting Wednesday, facing charges of tax evasion related to his image rights income from his first stint at the club. Authorities accuse him of failing to declare €1 million ($1.08 million) in earnings in 2014 and 2015.

Ancelotti is among several football figures investigated by Spain's tax authorities. While many, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa, settled their cases with hefty fines, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was acquitted by the Supreme Court in 2023 after refusing a settlement.

Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months, along with a €3.2 million fine. They argue that Ancelotti only reported his salary from Real Madrid, omitting income from image rights.

Ancelotti recently expressed confidence in Spain’s legal system and stated he is ready to testify. Before the trial, prosecutors confirmed that Spanish tax authorities had already seized the owed amount plus interest.

The trial, set to last three days in a Madrid court, could still end in an out-of-court settlement at any stage. Ancelotti, who returned to coach Real Madrid in 2021, has won five Champions League titles as a manager—twice with AC Milan and three times with Real Madrid.

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