Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is at the center of a legal storm as he faces trial on charges of tax evasion.
The 65-year-old Italian football manager appeared in court in Madrid this week, marking the beginning of his trial on accusations of deliberately misinforming the tax office during his time managing the Spanish club.
The Allegations Against Ancelotti
The charges stem from Ancelotti’s first stint as Real Madrid manager between 2014 and 2015.
Prosecutors claim that Ancelotti intentionally misled the Spanish tax authorities in order to avoid paying more than €1 million (£833,000) in taxes.
The authorities argue that the Italian deliberately provided false information regarding his income and tax obligations during that period.
Ancelotti has denied any wrongdoing and has expressed his determination to fight the charges in court.
He insists that the issue arose due to mistakes made by his accountants, especially when it comes to his 2014 tax filings.
He further argues that in 2015, he did not spend the necessary 183 days in Spain to qualify as a tax resident, which should exempt him from paying taxes that year.
What’s at Stake for Ancelotti?
Despite his defense, prosecutors are pressing hard for a conviction.
They argue that Ancelotti’s main source of income at the time came from Real Madrid, and thus, he should have been subject to Spanish taxes for that period.
If found guilty, Ancelotti could face up to four years in prison, according to the prosecution’s request.
The timing of the trial is significant, as it follows just hours after Real Madrid’s impressive Copa del Rey win against Real Sociedad.
Ancelotti’s trial could overshadow what was otherwise a thrilling victory for the team.
Ancelotti’s Response to the Charges
Ancelotti has spoken out about the case, maintaining his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
He has expressed confidence that he will be exonerated, stating that he does not believe he was a resident in Spain during the period in question.
“This is an old story,” he said to reporters.
“The Prosecutor’s Office believes I was a resident in 2015, and I believe I wasn’t.”
The manager also clarified that the fine associated with the tax issues has already been paid, and the case is now in the hands of his legal team.
He has stressed that he remains optimistic and believes that the judge will ultimately rule in his favor.
Ancelotti’s legal battles aside, he continues to focus on his role at Real Madrid, where he has enjoyed considerable success.
The outcome of this trial will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for his career and personal reputation.