Napoli football club is engulfed in turmoil after its president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, was officially indicted on charges of false accounting connected to the high-profile transfers of Victor Osimhen and Kostas Manolas. Prosecutors allege that the club inflated player valuations, artificially boosting capital gains in financial reports covering 2019 to 2021. The case is set for trial in December 2026, throwing a spotlight on both the club’s financial practices and its future stability on and off the pitch.
Fraud Allegations and Financial Investigation
The investigation centers around Napoli’s transfer dealings during 2019-2021, focusing on the acquisition of Victor Osimhen from Lille in 2020 and Kostas Manolas from Roma in 2019. Prosecutors claim the club exaggerated the valuation of players involved, particularly youth players included in the Osimhen deal, to create artificial capital gains. Similar suspicions surround the Manolas transfer, which was recorded at an inflated value to enhance the club’s financial position. Manolas was later sold to Olympiacos in 2022 for a fraction of the initial fee, further raising questions about the accuracy and legitimacy of the original valuation.
Legal Proceedings and Club’s Response
Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis, CEO Andrea Chiavelli, and the club itself face trial as a court in Rome has accepted the indictment. The legal action accuses them of financial misreporting that involved fictitious profits in breach of accounting regulations. In response, Napoli’s legal team contends that the prosecution misinterpreted accounting standards and insists that no financial advantage was gained from the transactions. They have described the indictment as “extraordinary” and challenged the claim of false accounting.
Implications for Napoli
This scandal marks one of the most significant legal challenges during De Laurentiis’ two-decade leadership. Beyond criminal liability, the trial puts into question the club’s financial transparency and governance. With allegations suggesting the club’s financial statements were manipulated to improve the appearance of fiscal health, Napoli faces substantial reputational risk which could impact future dealings and regulatory compliance, including UEFA Financial Fair Play considerations.
Background on Transfers
The transfer of Kostas Manolas in 2019 was notable for its timing, reportedly done just before Roma’s fiscal deadline to comply with Financial Fair Play rules. In the deal, Napoli activated Manolas’ release clause while simultaneously transferring Amadou Diawara to Roma. This arrangement allowed both clubs to report significant capital gains, a move now scrutinized for its financial legitimacy. Osimhen’s transfer from Lille, valued at around €76 million including the added valuation of Napoli’s youth players, is under similar investigation for inflating financial statements.
This indictment and upcoming trial highlight the complex intersection of sports, finance, and law, placing Napoli under intense scrutiny as they prepare to face a drawn-out legal battle over their transfer dealings. The case will be closely watched by fans, regulators, and the football community at large, as it has wide-reaching implications for club management and financial practices in European football.
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