Here are the decisions of the Preliminary Investigating Magistrate of the Court of Rome regarding the charges against Juventus, which has been fined over €150,000. The former president: ‘A very difficult decision, but it is the most appropriate choice.’
The Prisma criminal trial concerning alleged capital gains and salary manoeuvres involving Juventus and its former executives ended with a long list of plea bargains: early this afternoon at Piazzale Clodio, the preliminary hearing judge of the Court of Rome, Anna Maria Gavoni, gave the green light to the requests made by Juventus' defence team.
The plea bargains— These are the sentences—which had already been approved by prosecutors Lorenzo del Giudice and Giorgio Orano—that received the approval of the preliminary hearing judge: for former president Andrea Agnelli, a plea bargain of 1 year and 8 months was proposed; for then-vice president Pavel Nedved, 1 year and 2 months; for Fabio Paratici, former sporting director, and Cesare Gabasio, Chief Legal Officer of Juve since January 2021 and central to the drafting of the salary manoeuvre documents, 1 year and 6 months; for Stefano Cerrato (Chief Financial Officer), Marco Re (Chief Financial Officer until July 2020) and Stefano Bertola (Chief Operating Officer), one year converted into a fine. All plea bargains exceeding one year include suspended sentences and fines. For former club CEO Maurizio Arrivabene, the decision not to proceed was confirmed. The club was fined €156,750.
Compensation— For the 221 civil parties admitted to the trial, settlements were reached for one third of the claimants, amounting to 1 million 80 thousand, with contributions from those who requested a plea bargain, with the exception of Cesare Gabasio.
Charges— The charges brought are market manipulation, false corporate communications by listed companies, fraudulent statements, and obstruction of supervisory bodies.
Agnelli's words— Today, I reiterate my deep respect for the competent authorities called upon to evaluate my actions, fully aware that the sporting and criminal investigations are a very difficult chapter on a personal level, but also a useful starting point for analysis for the future. The decision to request the application of a suspended sentence, without civil effects or additional penalties, without recognition of responsibility, and therefore consistent with my position of innocence, was undoubtedly a very difficult one. After much reflection, however, I am convinced that it is the most appropriate choice, considering that this criminal proceeding, which began almost four years ago, is still in the initial phase of the preliminary hearing and the alternative would have been a limbo destined to drag on for a very long time. Therefore, having the opportunity today, I believe it is right to put an end to this long period in full compliance with the procedures. My love for Juventus remains total and unchanged, as does my bond with Italy and, in particular, with Turin, my city. My commitment as an investor in the energy transition continues thanks to the development of FIEE, the Italian Energy Efficiency Fund, which has been operating for almost ten years under the guidance of an experienced management team. I will also continue to devote myself passionately to my role as President of the IRCCS Institute of Candiolo - Piedmontese Foundation for Oncology, a position I have held since 2017 and which makes me proud, thanks to the work of exceptional doctors and researchers who fight cancer on a daily basis, while providing treatment for over 35,000 patients a year. Finally, for over two years now, I have been living in Amsterdam, the city where my family and I have chosen to settle and from where I will build my future projects.