Carlo Ancelotti has denied allegations of tax fraud in Spain, insisting in court that he has "never been concerned" with image rights. The Real Madrid manager is the latest high-profile figure in football to face trial in Spain over alleged tax evasion.

Prosecutors claim that Ancelotti declared only his personal earnings from Real Madrid and failed to report income generated from the sale of his image rights. It is alleged that the Italian coach did not pay a total of €1,062,079 in tax on those rights in 2014 and 2015 during his first spell in charge at the Bernabéu.

"I have never been concerned about image rights," Ancelotti stated in court. "Coaches are not that important – it is the players who sell shirts.

"I was only focused on receiving the six million net over three years, and I never realised anything was wrong. I was not notified that I was under investigation by tax authorities.

"I thought it was completely normal. I consulted my British adviser and did not give it another thought, as everything seemed correct. I never imagined that fraud could have been committed. But given that I am here, I suppose things were not handled properly."

Speaking on Friday following the conclusion of the two-day trial, Ancelotti reiterated his trust in the legal system. "I have total confidence in the law and in justice," he said.

"I am not worried, but I am understandably frustrated by accusations that I have committed fraud. However, once again, I have complete faith in justice."

Ancelotti is not the first high-profile football figure to face such allegations in Spain. In 2016, Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge, were handed 21-month prison sentences after being found guilty of owing more than €4 million in unpaid taxes. However, in Spain, prison sentences of under two years for non-violent offences are typically suspended.

In 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo reached a settlement, agreeing to pay an €18.8 million fine alongside a 23-month suspended prison sentence after admitting to tax evasion.

Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa was also found guilty of tax fraud during his time at Atlético Madrid, while José Mourinho paid €2.2 million in fines in 2019 and was handed a 12-month suspended sentence relating to his tenure as Real Madrid manager.