Carlo Ancelotti could face four years in prison as Real Madrid manager's tax fraud case heads to Spanish court

Ancelotti stands accused of deliberately misinforming the tax office in order to avoid paying over €1 million in income charges. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2014 and 2015, during his first Champions League-winning spell as manager at Santiago Bernabeu.

The 65-year-old denies any wrongdoing and will be fighting the charges. He has admitted to underpaying tax in 2014, but claims that was due to malpractice on the part of his accountants. Ancelotti says he broke no rules the following year as he did not spend the 183 days in Spain required to pay tax.

Prosecutors claim that, as he did not take over at Bayern Munich until 2016, money earned from Real was his main source of income during that period. Those arguing the case against Ancelotti have, as reported by Sport, requested a four-year prison sentence if the experienced coach is found guilty.

Ancelotti has previously said of the matter: "This is an old story. The Prosecutor’s Office believes I was a resident in 2015, and I believe I wasn’t. 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."

A trial date as been set for April 2, the day after Madrid are due to face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Ancelotti is the latest in a long line of prominent figures to face tax avoidance accusations in Spain, with that list including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Settlements have usually been reached without the need for jail time, although World Cup winner Xabi Alonso did successfully argue his case and was acquitted of any wrongdoing.