Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s tax fraud trial concluded on Thursday in Spain, with prosecutors seeking a four-year, nine-month prison sentence over alleged tax evasion.
Ancelotti is accused of failing to declare over €1 million ($1.1 million) in image rights earnings between 2014 and 2015, during his first stint at the Spanish club. Prosecutors allege he used a complex network of shell companies to conceal the income.
“We consider the acts of fraud, concealment, and omission to be proven,” the lead prosecutor stated during closing arguments at Madrid’s High Court of Justice.
The 65-year-old coach denied any wrongdoing, arguing that he followed legal advice and was unaware of tax implications. His lawyer criticized Spanish tax authorities for subjecting Ancelotti to “public humiliation” instead of seeking an out-of-court settlement, as seen in similar cases involving Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
A verdict is expected in the coming weeks. If convicted, Ancelotti could face jail time, though Spanish courts often issue suspended sentences for first-time offenders.
