The ongoing investigation into Napoli's acquisition of Victor Osimhen from Lille has taken a new turn, sparking speculation about potential sanctions for the club and its involved players. The case, which revolves around the transfer of Osimhen for a staggering 76 million euros, also includes the transfer of four Napoli players—Karnezis and three youth players: Liguori, Manzo, and Palmieri—for a total valuation of 20 million euros. This has raised eyebrows as investigators allege that these valuations were inflated to mitigate the financial impact on Napoli's accounting.
As reported by various sources, including Luca Momblano, a journalist affiliated with Juventus, the federal prosecutor has closed investigations into the matter, suggesting that sanctions for those involved are imminent. Momblano stated during a segment on Telelombardia, "We have heard that sanctions are expected for the individuals involved in the Osimhen case, and there is also talk of a points penalty for Napoli." This assertion adds to the growing concerns surrounding the legitimacy of the transfer and the financial practices of the club.
In 2022, Napoli was acquitted by sports justice regarding this matter, but the emergence of new evidence in the hands of federal prosecutor Chiné could potentially reopen the case. According to sources, this could lead to a complex and lengthy process, requiring a new sports trial against Napoli before any sanctions are imposed. As of now, the situation remains speculative, with no official announcements from the Federation.
The Foglio newspaper has also weighed in on the situation, defending Napoli's president Aurelio De Laurentiis while criticizing the judiciary's actions. They raise important questions about the basis of the accusations, asking, "On what grounds do the magistrates define the valuations as 'inflated'?" The newspaper also notes that the prosecutors have not sought to investigate the Lille president, who was the counterpart in the deal, thus questioning the motives behind the investigation.
Momblano further clarified that while former Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli was involved in the deal, he reportedly did not have the authority to sign off on the transactions. This detail adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as it raises questions about who exactly is accountable for the alleged misconduct.
The ongoing scrutiny of Napoli's financial dealings comes amidst a broader context of investigations into several clubs, including Juventus and Roma, regarding similar allegations of inflated player valuations and illicit capital gains. The recurring theme in these cases is the challenge of proving collusion or fraudulent agreements between clubs, a point that has not gone unnoticed by observers.
As the situation develops, Napoli fans and the broader football community are left to wonder what the future holds for their club. With the possibility of sanctions looming, the stakes are high, and the implications could be felt in the upcoming season. Will Napoli be able to navigate these turbulent waters, or will they face repercussions that could impact their standing in Serie A?
In the meantime, players and staff at Napoli are likely feeling the pressure as rumors swirl and the investigation casts a shadow over the club's operations. The upcoming weeks will be critical as more information is expected to emerge, potentially clarifying the situation.
For now, the focus remains on the integrity of the sport and the financial practices that govern it. As investigations continue, the football world watches closely, eager to see how Napoli will respond to these challenges and what measures will be taken to address the concerns raised by the federal prosecutor.
