MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti, the celebrated Italian soccer coach who has guided some of the world’s most prestigious clubs to glory, finds himself entangled in a high-stakes legal battle with Spanish authorities over allegations of tax fraud.
On Wednesday, state prosecutors in Madrid formally accused Ancelotti of two counts of tax fraud, alleging that he failed to declare a substantial portion of his earnings during his first stint as the head coach of Real Madrid between 2013 and 2015. The prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months for the 64-year-old tactician.
The accusations leveled against Ancelotti allege that he used a complex web of shell companies to conceal portions of his income, specifically earnings related to his image rights, which can be a significant source of revenue for high-profile coaches and players. According to the prosecutors, Ancelotti’s actions deprived Spanish tax authorities of over €1 million in 2014 and nearly €3 million in 2015.
Ancelotti, however, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence and asserting that the dispute revolves around his residency status during that period. “I’m convinced that I’m innocent, that I was not a resident in 2015, and they think that I was a resident,” Ancelotti stated after Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The crux of the matter appears to be whether Ancelotti should have been considered a legal resident of Spain at the time, a determination that would have implications for his tax obligations. “The tax authority says that I was a resident at the time and I don’t think that I was a resident,” Ancelotti explained.
In a statement, the prosecutors outlined their allegations, accusing Ancelotti of establishing a “confusing” network of shell companies lacking any real business activity, some based in offshore jurisdictions like the Virgin Islands. The purpose, according to the prosecutors, was to conceal his additional earnings from image rights, thereby avoiding tax liabilities in Spain and abroad.
Ancelotti’s case is the latest in a series of high-profile tax disputes involving prominent figures in the world of soccer. In recent years, Spanish authorities have intensified their crackdown on alleged tax evasion by wealthy individuals, including several of the sport’s biggest stars and coaches.
Jose Mourinho, the former Real Madrid coach, received a one-year suspended sentence in 2019 after reaching a guilty plea for tax fraud. Similarly, legendary players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have also faced charges of tax evasion in Spain, with both ultimately accepting guilty pleas and paying substantial fines to resolve their cases.
The allegations against Ancelotti and others stem from a widespread practice in soccer, where players and coaches establish companies to manage their image rights and commercial activities. However, prosecutors argue that in some instances, these structures were deliberately designed to obscure income and evade tax obligations.
Ancelotti, known for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen, has enjoyed an illustrious coaching career spanning over three decades. He is the only coach to have won the prestigious Champions League four times, twice with Real Madrid and twice with AC Milan. Additionally, he has claimed domestic league titles in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France, cementing his status as one of the most successful and respected managers in the game.
Despite the legal clouds gathering, Ancelotti remains focused on his current role at the helm of Real Madrid, where he returned for a second stint in 2021. On Wednesday, his team secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League after their draw against Leipzig, keeping their pursuit of European glory alive.
In addressing the tax case, Ancelotti struck a resolute tone, expressing confidence in his legal team’s efforts to find a resolution. “I already paid the fine, the money is with them, and now the lawyers are talking to try to find a solution,” he said.
The veteran coach’s case highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by wealthy individuals in the world of soccer, as authorities aim to crack down on alleged tax evasion and ensure compliance with financial regulations. While Ancelotti maintains his innocence, the outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for his reputation and future in the game he has graced for so long.
As the legal proceedings unfold, soccer fans and observers around the world will be watching closely, eager to see how this high-profile case is resolved and what lessons, if any, can be drawn from it regarding the complex intersection of wealth, fame, and tax obligations in the world of professional sports.
