The Prisma investigation into Juventus’ alleged ‘salary manoeuvres’ is coming to a close and reports suggest the players involved could face punishment.
Corriere dello Sport details how the FIGC Prosecutor’s Office is now deciding how to proceed against the Bianconeri and wants to determine the roles of individual players in this situation, which could lead to possible punishments.
The investigation is looking into accusations that Juventus secretly agreed their players’ salaries during the early stages of the COVID pandemic, despite publicly announcing that they had been waived. Due to the fact that the club is publicly traded, this would to amount to misleading the market.
Prosecutor Giuseppe Chiné wants to determine whether or not the involved players knew what they were agreeing to was illegal, and if some players were guiltier than others. The FIGC Prosecutor’s Office has questioned those involved, closely scrutinised the ‘JuventusTeam’ WhatsApp group and clarified the power structure of the squad.
One of those who risks the most is former captain Giorgio Chiellini, who acted as the intermediary between the club’s management and their squad. In the WhatsApp group, he wrote: “You will receive in the next few days a paper that is worth everything and nothing,” outlining the deal.
The sporting judge is pushing for all of the involved players to be included in the trial, wanting to eliminate the possible argument of ignorance.
Should players be involved in the trial, Chiné will wait for any possible plea bargain requests, something that could have important repercussions on the trial.