Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to stand trial on Wednesday at the High Court of Justice in Madrid. The trial is scheduled to begin at 10am local time and is expected to last for two days. Ancelotti is facing accusations of failing to declare income to Spain’s tax office, specifically related to undeclared earnings from image rights in 2014 and 2015, amounting to over one million euros.
Prosecutors are seeking a jail term of four years and nine months for the 65-year-old Italian. They allege that Ancelotti only declared his personal remuneration from Real Madrid in his tax returns during those years, despite declaring himself a tax resident in Spain. The prosecution claims that Ancelotti set up a complex system of shell companies to conceal additional earnings from image rights and other sources.
Despite the accusations, Ancelotti has expressed confidence in the legal system and hopes to resolve the matter soon. The coach, who has an impressive record of five Champions League trophies, including three with Real Madrid, views the case as an old story that he believes will be clarified during the trial.
This case is part of a broader crackdown in Spain on high-profile individuals, including football players, who have been accused of tax evasion. Notable figures like Jose Mourinho, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Shakira have all faced legal challenges related to tax issues in recent years.
Ancelotti took over as Real Madrid coach in 2013 and has had a successful career in football both as a player and a manager. He has won domestic league titles in multiple countries and has enjoyed success in various top clubs across Europe.
As the trial unfolds, Ancelotti remains focused on clearing his name and continuing his coaching career. The outcome of the trial will determine the next steps for the esteemed coach, who is determined to prove his innocence in the face of these allegations.
