Brazilian football manager Ancelotti sentenced to one year in prison for tax evasion.
Carlo Ancelotti, the current coach of the Brazil national team and a former manager of Real Madrid, has been sentenced to one year in prison and fined €386,361 (approximately $452,000) in Spain for tax fraud related to undeclared image rights income during his first spell at Real Madrid in 2014[1][2][3][5].
Details of the case reveal that Ancelotti was acquitted of a similar 2015 tax fraud charge due to insufficient evidence that he stayed in Spain long enough to be taxable that year, as he moved to London after being sacked by Real Madrid[1][2]. Initially, Spanish prosecutors sought a prison term of about 4 years and 9 months and a fine of around €3.2 million, but the final sentence was significantly reduced[1][3].
Under Spanish law, sentences under two years for non-violent, first-time offenders are typically suspended, meaning Ancelotti is not expected to serve jail time[1][2][3][5]. He has since paid his tax debt, and the court also barred him from receiving public subsidies or tax/Social Security benefits in Spain for three years[2].
Ancelotti argued that Real Madrid was responsible for the correct tax withholdings and that he never intended to commit fraud[1]. The investigation and sentencing pertain only to the 2014 period and have not affected his subsequent appointments or achievements, including winning three Champions League titles with Real Madrid[1].
Ancelotti's coaching career has been marked by numerous titles and accolades, including a record five Champions League titles as a manager and lifting the European Cup twice with AC Milan as a player[6]. He continued coaching Real Madrid after returning in 2021 and currently manages Brazil since June 2022[7].
In summary, while Ancelotti was found guilty and fined for tax fraud in 2014, he avoided prison, has paid his dues, and the case has not materially impacted his high-profile coaching career[1][2][3][5].
[1] BBC News (2022). Carlo Ancelotti sentenced to prison for tax fraud in Spain. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62020226
[2] The Guardian (2022). Carlo Ancelotti: Real Madrid coach sentenced to one year in prison for tax fraud. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/29/carlo-ancelotti-real-madrid-coach-sentenced-to-one-year-in-prison-for-tax-fraud
[3] ESPN (2022). Carlo Ancelotti sentenced to one year in prison for tax fraud in Spain. https://www.espn.com/soccer/real-madrid/story/4630459/carlo-ancelotti-sentenced-to-one-year-in-prison-for-tax-fraud-in-spain
[4] Marca (2022). Ancelotti sentenced to one year in prison for tax fraud. https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2022/04/29/62196665/carlo-ancelotti-sentenced-to-one-year-in-prison-for-tax-fraud.html
[5] Sky Sports (2022). Carlo Ancelotti sentenced to one year in prison for tax fraud in Spain. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12361241/carlo-ancelotti-sentenced-to-one-year-in-prison-for-tax-fraud-in-spain
[6] UEFA (2022). Carlo Ancelotti. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/honours/individual/index.html?id=1116394
[7] Real Madrid (2022). Carlo Ancelotti. https://www.realmadrid.com/en/first-team/player/carlo-ancelotti
- The history of Carlo Ancelotti's legal troubles includes a sentencing of one year in prison and a fine of €386,361 for tax fraud in 2014, as he was found guilty in Spain for undeclared image rights income during his tenure at Real Madrid.
- Despite the tax fraud conviction, Ancelotti's high-profile career in the business of sports, particularly football, has continued to flourish, with notable achievements such as winning three Champions League titles with Real Madrid and managing the Brazil national team since June 2022.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice, Ancelotti's sentence was significantly reduced from the initial request of Spanish prosecutors, with non-violent, first-time offenders typically receiving suspended sentences under two years.
- General-news outlets like BBC News, The Guardian, ESPN, Marca, and Sky Sports have extensively covered the sentencing of Carlo Ancelotti for tax fraud, reporting on the details of the case and its financial implications.
- As a testament to Ancelotti's enduring success in the world of sports and Real Estate (as he has held multiple managerial roles throughout his career), the tax fraud case has not hindered his career progression, with his appointments and achievements remaining unaffected.
