Carlo Ancelotti, the legendary coach of Real Madrid, will go on trial next week for allegedly failing to declare income to Spain’s tax office. A Madrid court announced on Friday that the trial would begin on Wednesday and last for two days. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of four years and nine months for the 65-year-old Italian.

Allegations of Tax Evasion and Shell Companies

Ancelotti is accused of causing Spain’s treasury to lose more than one million euros ($1.1 million) in undeclared earnings from image rights in 2014 and 2015. Prosecutors claim that, although he declared himself a tax resident in Spain and listed his home in Madrid, he only reported his personal earnings from Real Madrid in his tax returns. They accuse Ancelotti of setting up a “confusing” and “complex” system of shell companies to hide his additional income from image rights and other sources, such as real estate.

Ancelotti’s Response and Legal History

The trial comes after a Spanish court ordered Ancelotti to stand trial in 2023, although no date was initially set. The coach dismissed the case as “an old story that I hope will be resolved soon” when asked about it last year. Ancelotti has had an illustrious career, both as a player and coach, and is widely regarded as one of the most successful football managers in history.

Ancelotti’s Coaching Career and Achievements

Ancelotti’s coaching career includes a record five Champions League titles, with three of those coming during his time at Real Madrid. He took over as head coach of the club in 2013, leaving in 2015 before moving to Bayern Munich. After stints at Napoli and Everton, Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid in 2021. His managerial success spans domestic league titles with Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.