Ancelotti gets jail term for tax evasion but will not go to prison
Madrid, July 9, 2025 — A Madrid court has handed Brazil’s national team coach Carlo Ancelotti a one‑year prison sentence, alongside a €386,000 fine, for failing to declare image‑rights income during his tenure at Real Madrid in 2014 .
Spanish prosecutors originally accused Ancelotti—a five‑time Champions League winner—of defrauding over €1 million across 2014 and 2015, using shell companies based in the Virgin Islands to funnel earnings while only declaring his salary from the club . However, the court only upheld the 2014 claim of €386,361, citing insufficient evidence regarding 2015 .
Despite the verdict, Ancelotti will not see the inside of a jail cell. Under Spanish law, first‑time offenders convicted of non‑violent crimes with sentences under two years receive suspended terms . The fine levied is understood to include the original tax debt, penalties, and interest on the €386,000 from 2014 . The coach has the right to appeal the ruling.
Ancelotti, who turned 66 this June, testified during his April trial, stating he “never thought something wasn’t right” and believed his arrangement—advised by Real Madrid and managed via his advisers—was legal . He emphasized that image rights are more usually a player's concern, and he trusted financial experts to handle the specifics .
He joins a long list of high‑profile figures, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, José Mourinho, and Diego Costa, who have faced similar tax investigations in Spain, though none have served actual prison time .
For now, Ancelotti continues to serve as Brazil's coach, preparing the squad for upcoming international fixtures. While the legal outcome is a blemish on his record, it won’t interrupt his duties—yet.The ruling, however, is unlikely to affect Ancelotti's immediate future.
The Italian tactician, who is set to take charge of Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, has received unwavering support from both the Brazilian Football Confederation and his current employers.