Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has denied any intentional wrongdoing in a tax fraud case as his trial opened in Madrid. The 65-year-old Italian appeared before the High Court of Justice on Tuesday, facing accusations of failing to declare over one million euros ($1.1 million) in income from image rights between 2014 and 2015 during his first tenure at the club.

Prosecutors, who are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months, allege that Ancelotti only reported his salary from Real Madrid while concealing earnings from image rights through a “complex” system of shell companies. However, Ancelotti defended himself in court, stating that the payment structure was suggested by Real Madrid and that it was common practice among players and coaches at the time.

“When the club suggested it to me, I put Real Madrid in touch with my advisor. I never handled it myself because I had never been paid that way before,” he told the court. “I never realised that something wasn’t right. I never considered committing fraud.”

The trial, expected to last two days, could result in an out-of-court settlement, similar to previous tax cases involving football figures in Spain. In recent years, high-profile stars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jose Mourinho have been convicted of tax evasion but received suspended sentences after reaching settlements with Spanish authorities.

Ancelotti, who arrived at court accompanied by his wife and son Davide, has enjoyed a distinguished coaching career. He has won domestic league titles in five different countries and is the only manager to have won the UEFA Champions League four times.

Spain has intensified its crackdown on tax fraud in recent years, targeting high-profile athletes and entertainers. The case against Ancelotti is the latest in a series of legal battles involving football’s biggest names.