Italian prosecutors have intensified their legal pursuit of Napoli and club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, pushing for a criminal trial over alleged false accounting related to transfer dealings.
At the center of the investigation is Napoli’s €70 million signing of Victor Osimhen from Lille in 2020, a transfer that was previously cleared by Italian football authorities but is now under renewed scrutiny.
Prosecutors Push for Trial Over Alleged Financial Misconduct
On February 19, prosecutors in Rome formally requested a trial for Napoli, De Laurentiis, and club director Andrea Chiavelli. The case focuses on Napoli’s financial activities between 2019 and 2021, including transfers such as Kostas Manolas from Roma and, most notably, Osimhen’s high-profile move from Lille.
Why Is Osimhen’s Transfer Under Investigation?
The deal included four Napoli players moving to Lille, valued at approximately €20 million. However, three of those players never played for Lille, raising concerns over potential false accounting practices. Despite the renewed investigation, Napoli’s legal team remains confident, calling the trial request “incomprehensible” and citing previous independent financial assessments that confirmed the legitimacy of the transactions.
Osimhen’s Role in Napoli’s Success and Controversial Exit
Osimhen played a crucial role in Napoli’s historic Serie A title win in 2023, their first since the Diego Maradona era. The Nigerian striker scored 26 goals that season, helping the club dominate alongside breakout star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. However, Osimhen’s future with Napoli became uncertain after he openly expressed a desire to play in the English Premier League.
Following a failed transfer, tensions escalated between the player and the club. He was eventually banished from the first team and later loaned to Galatasaray in September 2023. His departure left a significant void in Napoli’s attacking lineup, contributing to the team’s struggles in subsequent competitions.
FIGC Clearance vs. Fresh Criminal Allegations
Napoli was previously cleared by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in April 2022, with all defendants acquitted. The case, however, raised broader concerns about financial mismanagement in Italian football. In 2023, Juventus was penalized with a 10-point deduction for similar accounting violations.
A source close to Napoli has downplayed the latest allegations, stating that documents cited by prosecutors were already reviewed and deemed non-incriminating by the FIGC. However, the push for a trial suggests that authorities believe new evidence or legal interpretations could warrant further proceedings.
What’s Next for Napoli?
Napoli’s legal team insists the case has no merit, but if the trial proceeds, it could have serious implications for the club and its leadership. Financial misconduct cases in Italian football have led to severe penalties in the past, including point deductions and bans from European competitions.
Beyond legal troubles, Napoli faces significant challenges on the pitch. The departure of Osimhen and other key players has left the team struggling to maintain its competitive edge. Fans have expressed growing concerns about the club’s future, with uncertainties surrounding both management and squad stability.
As the investigation continues, Napoli will need to focus on defending its reputation while rebuilding a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Whether the legal proceedings will impact the club’s financial standing or future transfers remains to be seen.
