Former Real Madrid boss has been sentenced to jail for tax evasion.
Former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after being found guilty of tax fraud; however, under Spanish law, the veteran Italian tactician will not serve any jail time.
The 66-year-old was convicted of defrauding Spanish tax authorities of €1 million during his first stint at Real Madrid between 2014 and 2015, specifically related to undeclared income from image rights.
However, Spanish law stipulates that non-violent offenders with no prior criminal record often receive suspended sentences if the term is under two years. As such, Ancelotti will not be imprisoned.
Heavy fine imposed
Though he avoids jail, Ancelotti will still face financial repercussions, having been ordered to pay a fine exceeding €386,000 (approximately £332,000).
In addition to the conviction, Ancelotti was acquitted of a separate charge tied to alleged tax evasion in 2015, as part of the same investigation.
That charge also stemmed from image rights earnings while Real Madrid employed him.
Ancelotti maintains innocence
Speaking earlier this year, Ancelotti firmly denied any deliberate wrongdoing.
"This is an old story. The Prosecutor's Office believes I was a resident in 2015, and I believe I wasn't," he said.
"The fine has been paid, and the case is in the hands of my lawyers. I'm convinced I'm innocent. Let's see what the judge decides," he added.
He admitted to underpaying taxes in 2014, blaming the issue on errors made by former accountants, and claimed he followed club directives during his time at the Bernabéu.
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