On September 22, 2025, a significant legal development took place in Rome concerning former executives of Juventus Football Club, Italy’s most decorated football institution. The Rome court, presided over by Judge Anna Maria Gavoni, approved plea bargain deals proposed by former Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, former sporting director Fabio Paratici, and former vice-chairman Pavel Nedved. The case stems from accusations of false accounting linked to financial practices during their tenures at the club.
Key Case Details
The legal allegations centered on Juventus allegedly misrepresenting its financial statements related to player transfers and salary arrangements, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially filed in Turin, the charges were transferred to Rome in 2023. Prosecutors accused the executives of stock market manipulation, obstruction of supervisory functions, and false invoicing. Juventus is publicly traded on the Milan stock exchange, making transparency a critical concern for shareholders and regulatory bodies.
Judicial Outcomes and Sentences
The plea bargains resulted in suspended prison sentences, meaning that none of the former executives will serve actual time behind bars. The suspended sentences are legally significant in Italy, as accepting plea bargains does not constitute an admission of guilt but serves to resolve cases more expediently.
The court also imposed a financial penalty on Juventus itself, amounting to €156,000 (approximately $184,000). Separately, Juventus reached a settlement to pay over €1 million to about 75 investors as part of resolving investor-related claims.
Here is a summary table of the plea bargain outcomes:
| Executives | Role | Sentence (Suspended) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrea Agnelli | Former Chairman | 20 months | Leading figure; no jail time |
| Fabio Paratici | Former Sporting Director | 18 months | Also suspended by FIFA earlier |
| Pavel Nedved | Former Vice-Chairman | 14 months | Renowned former player |
| Maurizio Arrivabene | Former CEO | Case Dismissed | Cleared of wrongdoing |
| Juventus Club | N/A | Fine: €156,000 | Publicly traded company |
Impact on Juventus Football Club
The case significantly affected Juventus, leading to widespread consequences beyond the courtroom. The club faced a 10-point deduction in the 2022-2023 Serie A season and a one-year ban from European competitions. These penalties were related to earlier investigations into financial irregularities and adversely impacted Juventus’s sporting and financial standing.
The scandal also contributed to the resignation of the entire Juventus board of directors in 2022, marking a challenging transition period for the club.
Statements and Denials
Despite the plea bargains, Juventus and the former executives have continued to deny any wrongdoing. Juventus emphasized that pursuing the plea bargain was done in the best interest of the club, its shareholders, and stakeholders at large. The club reaffirmed the appropriateness of its actions and the validity of its defensive position in legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The acceptance of plea bargains by former Juventus executives marks an important legal chapter in the club’s recent history. While the suspended sentences avoid prison time for the individuals involved, the case underscores the intense scrutiny football clubs face regarding financial transparency and governance. Juventus now seeks to rebuild its reputation and sporting success after enduring reputational and competitive setbacks due to these legal challenges.
This resolution allows the club and its former leadership to focus on moving forward, although the impact of the scandal will likely resonate within Italian football for some time.