Former Juventus President Andrea Agnelli is seeking a plea bargain in the ongoing false accounting trial that contributed to his departure from the Italian soccer club. The trial, which has been relocated to Rome, examines allegations that Juventus profited from illegal player transfer commissions and misled investors through deceptive financial practices.
Agnelli's plea deal request includes a proposed 20-month prison sentence. Several other former Juventus executives are also seeking plea bargains, including former vice president Pavel Nedved, who is aiming for a 14-month term, and former sporting director Fabio Paratici and chief legal officer Cesare Gabasio, who are each seeking an 18-month sentence. This coordinated effort highlights the seriousness of the accusations.
The investigation into Juventus's financial dealings began in 2021. Prosecutors are investigating whether Juventus illegally profited from player transfers and loans and whether investors were misled through false transactions. The case has explored whether invoices were issued for non-existent transactions to demonstrate income, which could be deemed false accounting.
The false accounting case prompted Agnelli and Juventus's entire board of directors to resign in 2022. Agnelli was subsequently given two separate bans by sports authorities, the last of which expires in October. In the 2022-23 season, Juventus was penalized with a 10-point deduction and was removed from the Conference League by UEFA due to financial irregularities.
A decision regarding the plea bargains is expected in September. If accepted, this could signify the conclusion of the false accounting legal cases at Juventus and potentially pave the way for Agnelli's return to soccer after his sports ban expires in October. The impending decision could mark a pivotal moment for Juventus as it faces the prospect of concluding its legal tribulations. Fans and stakeholders are keenly watching how this chapter in Juventus's history will conclude and what it means for the club's future.
