Real Madrid boss Ancelotti to stand trial over alleged tax evasion

• Spanish prosecutors claim that Carlo Ancelotti failed to report over €1 million in image rights earnings in 2014 and 2015
• The case stems from his first stint at Real Madrid (2013–2015), during which he allegedly misrepresented his tax status
• Despite his record-breaking Champions League success, the tax fraud charges could cast a shadow over his illustrious career

Real Madrid’s most successful coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is set to face trial next week over allegations of tax fraud, uncovering a financial scandal that has loomed over his celebrated managerial career. 

Spanish prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months for the Italian tactician, accusing him of withholding over one million euros ($1.1 million) in image rights income from Spain’s tax authorities between 2014 and 2015.

The Madrid court, which will oversee the proceedings, confirmed that the trial would commence on Wednesday, April 2, and is expected to last for two days. As part of the legal requirements, Ancelotti must be physically present for the hearings.

Prosecutors claim that during his initial stint as Real Madrid’s head coach, Ancelotti failed to declare his income despite officially listing Madrid as his place of residence. 

While he reported his salary from Real Madrid, investigators argue that he used a complex web of shell companies to obscure additional revenue from image rights and real estate deals. 

The alleged tax evasion scheme, according to legal authorities, was intentionally designed to mislead the Spanish treasury.

The legal battle has been in motion for some time. A Spanish court ruled in 2023 that Ancelotti must stand trial for the allegations, though a trial date was not set until now. 

Despite the mounting scrutiny, the 65-year-old has downplayed the matter, previously dismissing it as "an old story that I hope will be resolved soon."

Ancelotti’s achievements in football are undeniable. With a record five UEFA Champions League titles as a coach, three with Real Madrid, his name is etched in the sport’s history books. 

His managerial career has taken him across Europe’s elite clubs, winning domestic league titles in Spain (Real Madrid), England (Chelsea), Italy (AC Milan), Germany (Bayern Munich), and France (Paris Saint-Germain).

Despite his immense success on the field, his legal troubles now threaten to tarnish his legacy. With the trial set to begin, all eyes will be on Madrid as one of football’s most decorated managers fights to clear his name from the grip of the law.

Real Madrid sets new record with UEFA Super Cup, Mbappé's debut goal

Previously, TheRadar reported that as the European football season begins, Real Madrid wasted no time in reaffirming their European superiority with a 2-0 victory over last season’s Europa League winners, Atalanta, in the UEFA Super Cup. 

Kylian Mbappé, who made his much-anticipated debut on Wednesday, August 14, in Warsaw, Poland, found the back of the net after 68 minutes into his Real Madrid career.