Carlo Ancelotti, is no stranger to high-pressure situations, but his latest challenge has nothing to do with Champions League finals or tactical masterclasses. Instead, he recently took the stand in a Madrid court to address allegations of tax fraud amounting to over €1 million.
Spanish prosecutors allege that during his first stint with Real Madrid in 2014 and 2015, Ancelotti deployed an intricate web of shell companies to conceal earnings from his image rights. The prosecution, not known for mincing words, is demanding a hefty four years and nine months of jail time alongside a €3.2 million fine. If convicted, the veteran coach might have to swap the Bernabéu dugout for a far less glamorous bench.
The ‘I Didn’t See It’ Defense
Carlo Ancelotti, known for his calm demeanor, maintained his innocence, arguing that he never intended to commit fraud. The Italian tactician claimed that Real Madrid structured his salary, allocating 15% towards image rights, a practice he understood to be commonplace in football.
According to Ancelotti, he has always negotiated contracts based on net income and left the financial specifics to his advisors. In simpler terms, he was too busy worrying about winning trophies to focus on tax brackets. However, whether this defense will be enough to sway the court remains to be seen.
The Residency Conundrum
Another key point in Ancelotti’s defense is his claim that in 2015, he only spent 155 days in Spain—falling short of the 183-day threshold required to be classified as a tax resident. This, he argues, means he wasn’t liable to pay taxes under Spanish law.
To further support his case, Ancelotti pointed out that he has already settled the disputed amount with Spanish tax authorities. Whether this retrospective payment will soften the court’s stance is another matter, but it does raise the question: should football managers also be required to master tax law alongside their tactical notebooks?
A Familiar Playbook: Spain vs. Football Stars
Carlo Ancelotti is far from the first football figure to be caught in Spain’s tax crackdown. The country’s tax authorities have an impressive track record of going after big names in the sport, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both facing similar legal battles in recent years.
In a pattern that’s becoming as familiar as tiki-taka football, Spanish prosecutors have made it clear that no one—no matter how many trophies they’ve won—is above tax law. Messi and Ronaldo both settled their cases with significant fines, opting for financial penalties rather than time behind bars. Will Ancelotti follow the same path, or will the Spanish authorities push for a tougher stance against non-playing football personalities?
What’s Next for Carlo Ancelotti?
As the case unfolds, Carlo Ancelotti remains focused on his main job—leading Real Madrid through another grueling season. While the legal proceedings cast a shadow over his managerial duties, he continues to guide his team with his trademark poise.
The big question now is whether the court will accept his defense or decide to make an example out of him. If found guilty, the consequences could be severe, but if history is any indication, financial settlements often resolve such cases. For now, Madridistas will be hoping their coach stays in the dugout rather than behind bars.
One thing is certain—Carlo Ancelotti has faced high-pressure situations before. Whether he can mastermind a victory in the courtroom remains to be seen, but as always, he’ll be playing to win.
