Real Madrid coach - Carlo Ancelotti - accused of tax fraud

Carlo Ancelotti, the acclaimed coach of Real Madrid, will appear before a Spanish court on April 2, facing serious charges of tax fraud. The case has attracted significant attention, especially given the alleged sum involved—over one million euros. The charges relate to allegedly undisclosed earnings from image rights during the years 2014 and 2015.

Details of the prosecution's accusations

The Spanish prosecution claims the 65-year-old coach deliberately concealed income through shell companies registered outside Spain to evade taxes on income from his image rights. Prosecutors assert that Ancelotti was a tax resident in Spain at the time, yet he only declared earnings from the club to the tax authorities, omitting substantial income from image rights. The total unpaid tax amounted to €1,062,079, while revenue from image rights exceeded €4 million over two years.

Ancelotti firmly rejects the allegations

Ancelotti, who remains the most successful coach in Champions League history, vehemently denies the charges, emphasizing his innocence and trust in the Spanish judicial system. "I'm not worried, although I am obviously irritated by being accused of fraud. I really look forward to testifying on Wednesday," the coach stated.

Sports stars' issues with the Spanish tax authorities

This is not the first time that Spanish tax authorities have scrutinized the finances of prominent sports and entertainment figures. Similar issues previously affected Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Costa, and José Mourinho. Messi was sentenced to 21 months in prison in 2016 for failing to pay taxes on his image rights. Ronaldo avoided prison by paying nearly €19 million in fines, while Costa paid more than half a million euros for undisclosed income from his transfer to Chelsea.

Celebrities also targeted

Even celebrities in show business have faced actions from the Spanish tax authorities. Colombian singer Shakira avoided prison through a settlement, agreeing to pay a fine exceeding €7 million, while her former partner, Gerard Piqué, was initially fined over €2 million, later overturned by the Supreme Court.

Trial attracts global attention

The upcoming trial of Ancelotti, scheduled to last two days, will be closely watched not only by football fans. The verdict could have significant implications for the coach's career and serve as a cautionary example for other prominent individuals with financial ties to Spain.