John Elkann, owner of the Italian record champions Juventus Turin, is behind the resigned board of directors around his cousin Andrea Agnelli, despite the investigation by the public prosecutor.
“I am convinced that the club will prove that they have always acted correctly,” wrote Elkann, CEO of Holding Exor, in a press release. Meanwhile, the media reported possible point deductions should the allegations be confirmed.
Elkann is convinced that Juve will overcome the crisis. “Our history speaks of success and gives us strength in moments like these,” he said. “With the support of our fans, we can build an extraordinary future.” Elkann also thanked Agnelli. The successes of the past are “attributable mainly to him”.
The Turin prosecutor accuses Juve of deceiving investors and issuing false invoices. 16 managers, including Agnelli and Vice-President Pavel Nedved, are threatened with a process. The Italian Football Association is also investigating.
Last year, authorities searched the offices of the club, which is listed on the Milan stock exchange, to secure documents relating to player transfers between 2019 and 2021. Juventus ended the past financial year with a record loss of 254 million euros. Due to the ongoing consequences of the corona pandemic, Juve also expects a minus in 2022/23.