Spanish state prosecutors have leveled accusations of tax fraud against Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, alleging that he utilized shell companies to conceal portions of his income during his previous tenure at the club a decade ago.
In a statement issued Wednesday, prosecutors detailed two counts of tax fraud against Ancelotti, which could result in a sentence of four years and nine months in prison. They assert that the Italian coach is suspected of defrauding 1 million euros in 2014 and 2015.
According to prosecutors, during this period, Ancelotti purportedly declared only the income he received from Real Madrid while omitting income from image rights.
They allege that he orchestrated a “confusing” network of shell companies to obscure his additional earnings.
The 64-year-old Ancelotti previously coached Madrid from 2013 to 2015 before returning to the club in 2021.
Ancelotti boasts a remarkable coaching record in soccer, having secured four Champions League titles, twice with Madrid and twice with AC Milan. He is also the sole coach to have claimed domestic league championships in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.
Spain has taken a firm stance against prominent soccer figures who fail to fulfill their tax obligations. Former Madrid coach Jose Mourinho received a one-year suspended sentence after admitting to tax fraud in 2019. Similarly, star players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have faced convictions for tax fraud in Spain.
