Brazil’s national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has been sentenced to a one-year prison term in Spain for tax fraud committed during his tenure as manager of Real Madrid.
The Court’s Decision
A Spanish court on Wednesday handed down a one-year jail sentence to Carlo Ancelotti. The ruling also included a fine of €386,000 (approximately $452,187).
Prosecutors had accused Ancelotti of defrauding the state of one million euros ($1 million) across the years 2014 and 2015. They had initially sought a much longer prison term, up to four years and nine months, for the two counts of tax fraud.
Understanding the Allegations
The core of the accusation centered on Ancelotti’s alleged use of shell companies to conceal his actual earnings. Prosecutors claimed that he leveraged a company in the Virgin Islands, which reportedly lacked any genuine economic activity, as part of this scheme.
This tactic was purportedly used to hide income related to image rights during his first stint as Real Madrid’s coach.
Ancelotti’s Stance and Spanish Law
Ancelotti’s press officer, Carlos Sánchez, has stated that the coach would not be commenting on the matter for now. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has also not yet issued a response.
It’s important to note a key aspect of Spanish law: a judge can often suspend a prison sentence of less than two years for first-time offenders. This means that while Ancelotti has received a prison sentence, it is highly unlikely he will serve any actual jail time.
A Growing Trend Among Football Stars
Carlo Ancelotti is the latest in a series of prominent football figures to face legal action from Spanish authorities over unpaid taxes. This list includes global superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as another former Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho.
Despite these convictions, none of the high-profile individuals involved have actually been sent to prison. Their sentences have typically been suspended or converted.
Ancelotti’s Legacy and Current Role
Beyond this legal challenge, Ancelotti remains one of football’s most decorated coaches. He holds the unique distinction of being the only manager to have won the Champions League five times – three with Real Madrid and two with AC Milan.
He is also the sole coach to have secured domestic league titles across five major European leagues: England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France. Earlier this year, in May, the Brazilian FA announced him as their new manager. He is set to lead the Brazilian national team through to the 2026 World Cup.
- Carlo Ancelotti received a one-year prison sentence and a €386,000 fine for tax fraud in Spain.
- The fraud involved alleged use of shell companies to hide income from image rights.
- Due to Spanish law for first-time offenders, he is unlikely to serve actual jail time.
- Ancelotti joins a list of major football figures, including Messi and Ronaldo, who have faced similar tax issues in Spain.
- He currently coaches the Brazilian national team, with plans to lead them to the 2026 World Cup.
This development adds a significant legal chapter to the career of one of football’s most successful coaches, even as he prepares for a new challenge on the international stage.
