Ancelotti insisted he never intended to commit fraud after the prosecution requested a four-year and nine-month prison sentence for him

The Spanish justice system has taken a firm stance. On Thursday, the prosecution requested a four-year and nine-month prison sentence for Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, accusing him of failing to declare part of his income from image rights during his first spell at the club between 2013 and 2015.

The magistrate stated that the acts of fraud, concealment, and omission were proven, rejecting Ancelotti’s claims of ignorance. His lawyer, Carlos Zabala, argued for acquittal, accusing the Spanish tax authorities of seeking to publicly humiliate the coach.

During his hearing, Ancelotti insisted he never intended to commit fraud and explained that Real Madrid had advised him on the financial arrangement. On the club’s recommendation, a company was created to receive 15% of his salary—estimated at €6 million per year—through image rights.

The prosecution estimates that Ancelotti earned €1.24 million from image rights in 2014 and €2.96 million in 2015. The Madrid High Court has yet to deliver its verdict, which will determine whether the Italian coach faces a prison sentence or escapes conviction.

Source: Kofi Acquah