A report published by El Mundo raises questions about an alleged tax matter involving Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian coach who led Real Madrid. The piece states that the coach is nearing a trial over tax practices linked to image rights for the year 2014, a period soon after he began his first stint with the club.
According to El Mundo, the case centers on an alleged omission of about 400,000 euros tied to the rights to his image during his initial season as Real Madrid’s coach. The article notes that the investigation has progressed to the point of a formal accusation, with the court taking the view that Ancelotti failed to declare a portion of this income on his tax returns. This development comes after his first season in charge and amid scrutiny of how image rights were reported during that period.
The magistrate responsible for the investigation, María Inmaculada Lova, reportedly concludes that the former Milan manager fulfilled the criteria for tax fraud by not declaring 2014 earnings related to his image rights, which amount to approximately 386,361 euros. The report also indicates that a separate charge connected to the 2015 tax period was not upheld in the current proceedings, and the judge expressed criticism toward the tax inspectors involved. Notably, Ancelotti’s declared salary for the 2013-2014 season, which stood at about 5.8 million euros, is presented as consistent with his contract, even as the image rights matter remains contested.
El Mundo adds that Ancelotti reportedly admitted the facts, attributing the situation to poor advice from his tax consultants at the time. The newspaper suggests that the forthcoming trial could result in a settlement in which the coach would accept a prison sentence that would not require payment of the defrauded amount or associated penalties, pending any agreement with the relevant authorities. The report emphasizes that the defense maintains the overall salary figures were properly disclosed, while the dispute focuses on the treatment of image rights income in the 2014 year.
In summarizing the case, El Mundo portrays a scenario where the football manager acknowledges certain missteps in tax reporting, yet challenges remain regarding the interpretation of income from image rights and the obligations that accompanied it within the Spanish tax framework. The article situates the dispute within a broader context of how top-level coaches’ income streams, including image rights, have been scrutinized by tax administrations in recent years, particularly during periods of rapid contractual changes in elite football. The ongoing discussion reflects the tension between creative accounting in image rights arrangements and the statutory duties to fully disclose income to tax authorities. (El Mundo)
While the case has captured attention in sports media, it is part of a legal process that continues to unfold. The ultimate outcome will hinge on how the court interprets 2014 earnings from image rights and whether any penalties or sentences are imposed beyond the agreed terms, should a settlement be reached. Observers note that the event underscores the importance of transparent reporting by high-profile coaches and the diligence with which tax regimes assess earnings connected to athlete and managerial branding. (Goal)