Former Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti Sentenced To One Year In Prison For Tax Evasion

Renowned Italian football manager Carlo Ancelotti has been handed a one-year prison sentence by a Spanish court for tax fraud related to his earnings during his first spell at Real Madrid. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, stems from Ancelotti’s failure to declare income from image rights in 2014 while managing the Spanish giants.

The court found that Ancelotti concealed income tied to his image rights, which were paid through a corporate structure designed to avoid taxation in Spain. However, he was acquitted of similar charges for the 2015 fiscal year, as the court concluded there was insufficient evidence proving he resided in Spain long enough during that period to be considered a tax resident.

Ancelotti, currently head coach of the Brazil national team, was also fined approximately €386,000. In addition to the financial penalty, the court imposed a three-year ban on receiving public funds or benefits in Spain.

Despite the sentence, it remains unlikely that the 66-year-old will serve actual jail time. Under Spanish law, prison sentences of less than two years for first-time, non-violent offenders are typically suspended, especially when restitution is made and the individual has no prior criminal record.

The Spanish public prosecutor’s office had initially sought a harsher sentence, proposing four years and nine months in prison along with fines exceeding €3 million. However, the court opted for a more lenient ruling, possibly influenced by Ancelotti’s cooperation during the investigation and partial repayment of the taxes in question.

This verdict places Ancelotti alongside a list of footballing figures who have faced legal troubles over tax matters in Spain, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and José Mourinho. All of them avoided time behind bars.

As of now, Ancelotti’s role with the Brazil national team remains unaffected, with no official comment from the Brazilian Football Confederation. His legal team is expected to appeal the ruling or seek suspension of the sentence under standard Spanish judicial procedures.

While the court’s decision underscores Spain’s continued crackdown on tax evasion in football, the practical impact on Ancelotti’s career appears minimal for now. The decorated manager, who recently led Real Madrid to UEFA Champions League glory before taking up the Brazil job, is likely to continue on the touchline without interruption.