Palermo confirm “talks are ongoing” to sell the club to Raffaello Follieri, who spent 54 months in a U.S prison for conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.
Owner Maurizio Zamparini, pictured, revealed yesterday that the Italian is one of the two parties interested in buying the Rosanero, the other is an American consortium.
Palermo confirm “talks are ongoing” to sell the club to Raffaello Follieri, who spent 54 months in a U.S prison for conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.
Owner Maurizio Zamparini, pictured, revealed yesterday that the Italian is one of the two parties interested in buying the Rosanero, the other is an American consortium.
In 2008 Follieri pleaded guilty to 14 counts of conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering in what became known as the Vati-Con scandal, in which he misappropriated a $50 million investment from investors accusing former President Bill Clinton intended to buy Roman Catholic churches in the United States.
He was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, and was immediately deported to Italy after his release in 2012.
“The negotiation with Mr. Follieri and the FHolding Group in relation to the negotiation for the acquisition of the U.S. Città di Palermo SpA, is currently ongoing,” a statement from Palermo’s lawyer reads.
“However, we are still waiting to receive the documentation from the bank official to certify the existence of the funds and be contacted by the lawyer of the firm appointed by Mr. Follieri in order to complete the necessary preliminary checks that guarantee the success of the transaction and the future of the club.
“We reiterate that there is no prejudice with regard to the Follieri group or the other parties who have approached the ownership to complete the acquisition of U.S. Città di Palermo SpA.
“The transfer of the club can be completed once the checks on the financial soundness and reliability of the potential buyer have been completed.
“From this moment on, a press silence will follow with regards to negotiations, in order not to compromise the negotiations under way with Follieri and the other parties.
“At present, it is specified that no formal offer has been formulated by the Follieri group and that, once the requested information has been provided and the preliminary checks have been completed, the negotiation can proceed promptly.”
Follieri Capital Limited had earlier released an ultimatum stating that their offer would be withdrawn tomorrow if progress isn't made.