Italian authorities are investigating Juventus’ transfer and financial dealings
Cristiano Ronaldo could reportedly face questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into Juventus’ transfer and financial dealings by Italian authorities.
The Old Lady have been accused of fake accounting, with their offices in Turin and Milan raided last week as part of the investigation.
Italian police arrived at offices in the respective cities, where they seized documents on information relating to transfers, invoices and financial statements – with the investigation focusing on transfer profits and agent fees between 2019 and 2021.
It is thought that up to 42 transfers are under investigation including deals involving Joao Cancelo, Danilo, Miralem Pjanic and Arthur.
Six of the club’s officials – including president Andrea Agnelli and vice-president Pavel Nedved – are being investigated, with former Juve director of football Fabio Paratici, who is now at Tottenham Hotspur, also under investigation for his involvement.
An inquiry by Italian football watchdog COVISOC and finance regulator Consob into the dealings and profits has already been opened.
Now, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that the Turin Public Prosecutor could question Ronaldo – who left Juventus to re-join Manchester United in August – as part of the case.
It is alleged that prosecutors are looking into a ‘secret’ agreement Ronaldo made with Juventus, which could relate to the amount of salary he deferred at the peak of the pandemic or the severance pay he received before leaving for Old Trafford in the summer.
Reports in Italy claim that there is evidence of phone calls in which Juventus directors discuss a ‘document that should not have theoretically existed’ in relation to Ronaldo, however, it is thought that investigators are yet to find the document in question.
Additionally, it has been reported that the Juventus directors who have been questioned by prosecutors have been unable to explain the details of the ‘deal’ that was agreed with Ronaldo.
This has reportedly led prosecutors to want to speak to the Portuguese captain, in hope of receiving clarification about the ‘secret’ agreement.
Italian association of consumer rights, Codacons, believe that Juventus could face significant punishments if they are found guilty, claiming that they could be relegated to Serie B and have their 2019/2020 Serie A title taken off them.
Related links:
- Juventus ‘could be relegated and stripped of Serie A title’ over investigation into transfer dealings
- Juventus offices raided as club are investigated for false accounting
- Patrice Evra claims Ronaldo left Juventus because they made him a ‘scapegoat’
