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Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti Faces Tax Evasion Trial
- Carlo Ancelotti accused of intentionally misleading Spanish tax authorities.
- Potential four-year prison term if convicted in alleged tax fraud case.
- Trial date set amidst crucial Real Madrid fixtures.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to face trial and a possible four-year jail term over accusations of tax evasion. The esteemed football coach is formally accused of deliberately misrepresenting information to the tax authorities during his initial tenure with the Spanish club between 2014 and 2015. The prosecution alleges this was done to evade paying over €1 million in income tax, specifically €833,000.
Ancelotti Denies Tax Fraud Allegations
Ancelotti, aged 65, refutes any claims of misconduct and has declared his intention to contest the accusations vigorously. He firmly denies any wrongdoing in the matter.
Trial Date Set Amidst Key Fixtures
His trial is scheduled to commence on April 2nd, just a day after Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg match against Real Sociedad. This date also falls shortly before a significant Champions League quarter-final first leg encounter against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, adding pressure to the club and the manager.
Past Tax Issues and Current Defense
The Italian manager has previously acknowledged an underpayment of taxes in 2014. However, he attributed this discrepancy to errors made by his financial advisors. Regarding the 2015 allegations, Ancelotti maintains he did not violate any tax laws as he claims he did not meet the 183-day residency requirement in Spain that would mandate tax obligations.
Carlo Ancelotti has been accused of deliberately misinforming the tax office.
Prosecutors have reportedly called for Ancelotti to be given a four-year prison sentence if he is found guilty of deliberately avoiding paying over €1m (£833,000) in income tax.
Ancelotti is alleged to have avoided paying over €1m of tax between 2014 and 2015.
Prosecutors Allege Primary Income Source in Spain
Conversely, state prosecutors contend that Real Madrid was Ancelotti’s primary source of income during the period in question. They argue that his employment with Bayern Munich did not commence until 2016, highlighting his financial ties to Spain during the tax years under scrutiny.
Potential Four-Year Imprisonment
According to reports in Sport, should Ancelotti be found culpable of the charges against him, prosecutors are advocating for a four-year imprisonment.
Ancelotti’s Stance: ‘Convinced I’m Innocent’
Ancelotti has publicly addressed the case, expressing confidence in his innocence. “This is a long-standing issue,” he stated to reporters. “The Prosecutor’s Office believes I was a resident in 2015, and I believe I was not.”
He further added, “The penalty has been settled, and the matter is now with my legal representatives. I am certain of my innocence. We await the court’s decision.”