Juventus Fined for Financial IrregularitiesJuventus Fined for Financial Irregularities Juventus, one of Italy’s most prominent football clubs, has been fined €15 million by the Italian football federation (FIGC) for financial irregularities related to transfer dealings. The club has also been docked 15 points in the current Serie A season. The investigation into Juventus’ finances began in 2021 after the Turin-based club announced large losses and significant increases in the book values of players. The FIGC found that Juventus had inflated transfer values and used undisclosed side agreements to avoid recording losses in its financial statements. The scandal has sent shockwaves through the football world and raised questions about the financial practices of professional clubs. Juventus, which has won 36 Serie A titles, is one of the most recognizable brands in the sport and its financial mismanagement has damaged its reputation. According to the FIGC, Juventus’ irregularities date back to the 2018-19 season and involve several transfer deals, including the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid in 2018. The investigation revealed that Juventus recorded Ronaldo’s €100 million signing fee as an asset, instead of an expense, over two years. The FIGC also found that Juventus had inflated the transfer value of players in deals with other clubs to generate capital gains and reduce losses. For example, the club reportedly overstated the value of defender Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax in 2019. In addition to the €15 million fine and 15-point deduction, the FIGC has banned several former Juventus officials, including former chairman Andrea Agnelli, from holding office in football for two years. The scandal has had a significant impact on Juventus’ sporting performance. The club, which was leading Serie A at the start of the season, has now dropped to ninth place. The 15-point deduction has effectively ended Juventus’ hopes of securing a Champions League berth for next season. The Juventus scandal is a reminder of the challenges facing football clubs in maintaining financial stability and transparency. The FIGC’s investigation and sanctions serve as a warning to clubs that they will be held accountable for any financial irregularities.
