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19 hours ago
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The image of Carlo Ancelotti, renowned for his calm and integrity, was seriously put to the test this Wednesday. Real Madrid coach appeared before the Madrid provincial court, accused of tax fraud. The facts date back to his first visit to the club between 2014 and 2015. According to the Spanish prosecutor's office, the Italian would have hid more than a million euros to the taxman, not declaring his income related to his image rights.
Questioned at the helm, Ancelotti denied any intention of fraud.
“I have never been concerned about image rights”he said. “I just wanted to receive my six million nets over three years, I never thought that something was wrong.” The coach explains that he followed the advice of his British advisor at the time, and not having received any prior notification of a tax audit. His defense is based on a total ignorance of the reproached errors.
Carlo Ancelotti risks up to 4 years and 9 months in prison and more than 3 million euros fine for tax fraud.
The Spanish prosecutor's office accuses him of having only declared his fixed income from Real Madrid, omitting those linked to the exploitation of his image. Result: a tax debt estimated at 1,062,079 euros, for which the public prosecutor claims almost five years in prison and a fine of 3.2 million euros. Faced with this threat, Ancelotti does not shirk, but wonders:
“If I’m here, it’s that something was not done properly. But I didn't think that a crime had been committed.”
Ancelotti in front of justice: its version finally revealed!
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Ancelotti keeps his head cool. The Italian technician claims to have “Totally confidence in justice” And says he is confident in the end of the trial. Nevertheless, he does not hide his annoyance: “I’m not worried, but it’s obviously unpleasant that I said that I have committed fraud.” This affair, as disturbing as it is, has currently no direct sporting impact on Real Madrid, in full preparation for its European deadlines.
If the penalty requested remains symbolic for a personality of its rank, the trial could harm the reputation of Ancelotti, one of the most titled coaches of its generation. Beyond judicial defense, it is also a battle of image that is played out. It remains to be seen whether the Spanish justice will follow the accusation, or if it will judge that the Real A coach, as he proclaims, simply been poorly advised.
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Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
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