By Adenike Lawal
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to stand trial next week over allegations of tax fraud, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months.
A Madrid court announced on March 28, 2025, that the Italian coach failed to declare over €1 million in earnings from his image rights between 2014 and 2015.
The trial, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, will last two days, and Ancelotti is required to attend.
Prosecutors allege that Ancelotti reported only his salary from Real Madrid while concealing additional income through a complex network of shell companies.
His undeclared earnings reportedly amounted to €1.24 million in 2014 and €2.96 million in 2015.
Spain has intensified its crackdown on tax fraud, previously targeting stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho. While some received suspended sentences, Ancelotti’s case could see him face a harsher penalty.
Ancelotti, who led Real Madrid to multiple titles, previously dismissed the allegations as “an old story” and expressed hope for a swift resolution.
