Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to stand trial next week over allegations of tax fraud, a Madrid court confirmed on Friday. The case involves claims that Ancelotti failed to declare income to Spain’s tax authorities.
Prosecutors are pushing for a prison sentence of four years and nine months for the 65-year-old Italian, alleging that he withheld over €1 million in undeclared earnings from image rights during 2014 and 2015.
A court spokesperson said that the trial will commence on Wednesday and is expected to span two days.
Ancelotti, who holds the record for the most Champions League titles won by a coach – including three with Real Madrid – will be required to attend the proceedings, the spokesperson added.
According to prosecutors, Ancelotti only reported his salary from Real Madrid in his tax returns for those years, despite having declared himself a tax resident in Spain and listing his primary residence in Madrid.
Authorities further claim he established a ‘confusing’ and ‘complex’ network of shell companies to obscure additional earnings from his image rights and other sources, including real estate.
In 2024, a Spanish court ruled that Ancelotti must face trial for the matter, though no date was initially set. ALSO READ: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti accused of alleged tax fraud.
When questioned about the case last year, Ancelotti downplayed the situation, calling it ‘an old story that I hope will be resolved soon’.
Ancelotti first took charge of Real Madrid in 2013, departing in May 2015 before moving to Bayern Munich in 2016.
As a former Italy international midfielder, he won the European Cup twice with AC Milan during his playing career. His managerial journey later saw him take charge of Napoli and Everton before making his return to Real Madrid in 2021.
Beyond his Champions League triumphs, Ancelotti has also secured league titles in Spain with Madrid, in Italy with Milan, in England with Chelsea, in Germany with Bayern Munich, and in France with Paris Saint-Germain.
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