John Elkann - Andrea Agnelli

[Socrates 7962]

Agnelli: 'Juventus focus on winning'

http://www.football-italia.net/85201/agnelli-juventus-focus-winning?

May 31, 2016

President Andrea Agnelli discussed the way European football has changed and how Juventus are working to keep up with the times.

The Agnelli family have owned the club for almost a century and the current President sat down with Sky Sport Italia for an in-depth interview.

“I am profoundly tied to the city of Turin, we made big investments in the area and I, Juventus and the group I represent will continue to collaborate with the institutions in the city.

“Could we buy a foreign club too? It is certainly a possibility we are evaluating, but it is not the order of the day.”

This week Chinese groups are on the verge of completing takeovers of Inter and Milan, while Roma are run by Americans.

“Compared to the 1990s football clubs have changed enormously. Today the dimension of Juventus is global, a real business that is growing in its revenue, number of employees and brand, while it has achieved stability on a financial and administrative level.

“Asking for an increase in capital every three years would mean running the club badly. The Juventus rapport with (parent company) Exxor is excellent and healthy, but the club does not need continual investment.

“Juventus have completed an extraordinary turnaround operation over the last six years. In one year we halved the debts and the current club is well-equipped to deal with the next three years in Europe and Italy.

“Of course then we’d have to analyse how European football has changed and understand in what arena it will be more important to compete.

“We started the season with a trophy and ended it with another trophy: that is the best thing Juve have done this year.

“Those who are at Juventus must think only of winning, so whether Serie A is competitive or not is something I leave to the journalists.

“Looking at the other Leagues, I think it’s normal to have one club predominantly successful. In Germany there’s Bayern Munich, in France PSG, in Spain the duopoly Real Madrid-Barcelona.

“That is not what counts for us. What’s important to Juventus is winning.”

Many clubs point out the huge difference in revenue streams for Serie A sides compared to the Premier League, Liga and Bundesliga.

“In 2006 there was a breakdown and from that moment on Italian football lost its appeal,” continued Agnelli.

“There were some fundamental chances that were missed on a global level. Just think of how Barcelona or Bayern Munich attract funds on a local and international level.

“Thinking we can emulate what is happening in Germany, England or Spain just because there were ad hoc laws introduced is not enough.

“They can help, but the Italian way to become great again is to start giving some clear directives and understand how the Lega Calcio wants to deal with the immediate future.

“We must try to do like Spain and ‘protect’ its teams. When you want to sell the product abroad, they don’t care about tactics and technique, they want to see goals and spectacular overhead kicks, but to get those you need resources and champions.

“If we want to level the playing field and protect everyone, then let’s not sell a dream to the fans with talk of the Champions League and World Cup.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

‘Without the Agnellis, the end’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/88685/‘without-agnellis-end’

 

Aug 2, 2016

 

Former player Marco Tardelli says Italian football would be finished if the Agnelli family sold Juventus.

 

The Old Lady owners have a history with the club that dates back to 1923, during which time the Turin club have cemented their status as Italian football’s most decorated club domestically.

 

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Tardelli also bemoaned the fact that there does not appear to be any Italian interest in acquiring either Inter or Milan.

 

“Luckily,” he responded when asked about the presence of the Agnellis. “If the Agnellis left the scene, it would be the end of Italian football. It is incredible that there is not a big businessman in line to buy Inter or Milan.

 

“Unfortunately it is not Juve who are missing a rival, it is the Italian League who is missing out.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

Juve announce record figures

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91798/juve-announce-record-figures

 

Sep 21, 2016

 

Juventus have announced record turnover figures for the 2015-16 financial year and an improvement in profits.

 

According to a statement released by Juve’s board of directors on Friday, the club achieved unparalleled revenues of €387.9m in the financial year that ended on June 30 2016, plus €4.1m in operating profit – €1.8m higher than the previous period.

 

“The financial year 2015/2016 confirmed the improving trend seen in recent years; for the second consecutive year, the management closed with a balance-sheet profit,” read a summary on the Bianconeri’s official website.

 

“The board of directors has approved the draft budget for the financial year that ended 30 June 2016, which showed a profit of €4.1m and will be allocated to [the club’s] reserves.

 

“The Ordinary Shareholders’ Assembly will be held on October 25 2016 at 10:00 [CET], in a single meeting at Juventus Stadium.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

‘Juve leaders on and off pitch’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92074/‘juve-leaders-and-pitch’

 

 

Sep 26, 2016

 

Andrea Agnelli has proclaimed that Juventus “are now leaders on and off the pitch” and “an example to fans”.

 

Agnelli was speaking at the European Club Association’s first-ever workshop on corporate social responsibility and sustainability in Turin on Monday, where he emphasised Juve’s growth under his leadership.

 

“Juventus are now responsible and sustainable company,” the President began.

 

“Juventus are now leaders on and off the pitch, even in Europe. We hosted the first ECA workshop on sustainability.

 

“To be perceived as responsible is important for us because we’re an example to fans and younger ones.

 

“We have a responsibility in the development of around 600 young people: we want to grow not only players, but men.

 

“We’re a sounding board, and we must exploit this to transmit our values of sustainability.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

Agnelli hails record-breaking Juve

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92442/agnelli-hails-record-breaking-juve?

 

 

Oct 3, 2016

 

Andrea Agnelli has hailed Juventus’ achievement of record turnover for the past financial year but stressed that the hard work must continue.

 

Juve achieved unparalleled revenues of €387.9m in the financial year that ended on June 30 2016, plus €4.1m in operating profit – €1.8m higher than the previous period.

 

“The budget we’re submitting today for your approval is testimony to ‘on the pitch’, an expression very dear to us and the deep tenacity that has characterised Juventus for the last six years,” the President wrote in the Bianconeri’s annual report for shareholders.

 

“The core business of this club is and will always be football. Our tradition is victory, our vocation is economic and financial sustainability in a complex sector as the one in which we operate, characterised by results and a revenue system only partially governable by a particular club, by virtue of the special regulations in force at national and international level.

 

“A turnover of nearly €388m represents a record high in Juventus’ financial statements for the second consecutive year, with a net profit of more than €4m.

 

“Juve are solid and have good prospects for development but will continue to develop their revenues and ensure efficient management.

 

“Juventus must continue to grow and be self-sustainable, as in the previous season, for strengthening the team and in all the new projects launched by the club in recent years.

 

“The future represents new challenges, also because part of these revenues are now guaranteed by constant participation in the most prestigious European club competition, the Champions League.

 

“That’s why Juventus have worked within the ECA, European Club Association, and spoke with the biggest entities of international football so this competition could be reformed.

 

“From 2018, there will be four Italian clubs participating permanently in this tournament, which makes it more stable and less volatile, also for Juventus.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

Sustainable Juventus

 

While the Bianconeri are dominant on the field, they are

working to match the biggest clubs off it too, writes Mina Rzouki.

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92967/sustainable-juventus?

 

 

Oct 15, 2016

 

Andrea Agnelli recently hailed his record breaking Juventus, a club that achieved €387.9m revenue in the financial year that ended on June 30 2016. Reporting a €4.1m in operating profit which represents €1.8m more than the previous period, the Italian champions are slowly succeeding in their attempts to match the major European sides.

“The core business of this club is and will always be football. Our tradition is victory, our vocation is economic and financial sustainability in a complex sector,” explained Agnelli. Winning trophies on the pitch while remaining economically sustainable has always been Juve’s mission. To have achieved that considering the dire state of affairs post-Calciopoli is a feat that must be admired.

When it comes to building a sporting project, no team has done as well as the Bianconeri. They haven’t only gone back to leading the way in Serie A, as they have done these past five years, but they are now considered as one of the favourites to win Europe’s most prestigious trophy, the Champions League.

A side built with bargain buys on the transfer market while simultaneously investing in a stadium and club infrastructure make the club an example to follow. Players such as Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Barzagli were all brought in for free or a minor sum to help obtain success as others laughed. Barzagli and Pirlo’s careers were deemed over, critics noted that Juve bought the wrong centre-back from Bari when Andrea Ranocchia was the youngster to watch, while Alvaro Morata was the unwanted forward wasting away at Real Madrid.

Fast forward a few years and Juve were contesting the Champions League Final with Barcelona in 2015, collecting €100m from their participation in the competition. Rich and admired, the Old Lady has managed her finances so well that she is no longer required to sell her player assets, while money could be spent to break records and bring in great talent, such as that of Gonzalo Higuain. Juventus are back to what they were.

However, what makes the Italian Champions such a respectable club is how devoted they are to the attainment of sporting success. Renowned for their scouting network and ability to identify the next great player, they unearthed the likes of Kingsley Coman and developed Pogba and Morata into world class players. This only serves to highlight the club’s devotion to its legacy -- that of a club that builds.

Yet questions have been asked as to whether or not such dedication to sporting achievements has perhaps harmed the club’s ability to profit. This isn’t a club run like a business in the same way Real Madrid or Manchester United are, but one that values traditional ideals.

Manchester United announced their 70th or so lucrative sponsorship deal this year, demonstrating how those European clubs raking in the cash are prioritising their strategic business partnerships as well as the arduous money-making tours to various corners of the earth to gain more fans. That perhaps explains why Juventus are still far behind what the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have managed to achieve in commercial revenue.

According to the Deloitte money league rankings, Juventus made €73.5m from commercial revenue in 2015, meaning that the club is still dependent on the money it receives from TV. The globalisation of the brand should be a priority for the Turin giants who are bound to struggle to match revenues of clubs who belong to bigger and more exciting leagues.

Yet more effort should be made when one considers Bayern Munich, a club that belongs to an equally uncompetitive league, has pulled in €278.1m in commercial revenue. The difference between the two sums becomes even starker when we consider that according to Repucom’s rankings, Juve has the fifth largest fan base in Europe.

The Bavarian giants’ commercial revenues increased by 83% from 2009 to 2014 largely due to astute deals with Audi, Deutsche Telekom and Allianz. According to Swiss Ramble, the club do benefit from ‘being the most supported team in the largest commercial market in Europe’ but it certainly puts things into perspective with regards to how Juve have handled business partnerships.

The Italians struggle to shift merchandise and while there is global interest in the club, more effort must be made in appealing to foreign fans. Simple things such as buying a player from Asia or purchasing stars with a bigger brand will help strengthen their reputation. Investing in the likes of Marko Pjaca and Daniele Rugani demonstrates intelligent planning for the future, but it does little in attracting more interest from those in China and the US, countries who boast fans willing to spend to show their support for the club.

Should we start to worry? Not if Agnelli and Co’s plans come to fruition. According to reports released earlier this year, Juventus intend to open a chain of hotels and restaurants around the world to ensure the globalisation of the brand, offering customers and potential fans the opportunity to dine at the J-restaurant or stay overnight at the J-hotel.

Such a project would make Juve the first football multinational company which, in theory, should help increase revenues to match or even exceed those of clubs such as Real Madrid.

First we must await the opening of J Village to understand the club’s next step forward, but the feeling is Juventus will not sit and watch their competitors rise to the top of the sport without providing a genuine business challenge. 

This evening Udinese visit the Juventus Stadium, one of only three club-owned arenas in the Italian top flight. Readers betting on this game should look at these betting offers for any specials available.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

'Juventus must become legends’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/95710/juventus-must-become-legends’

 

 

Dec 15, 2016

 

Juventus President Andrea Agnelli targets the Scudetto and Champions League to “become legendary”.

 

The Bianconeri have won Serie A for five years in a row, but their best result in Europe during that run has been losing in the final to Barcelona in 2015.

 

“We have all the forces in play against us,” Agnelli told employees and sponsors, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“The principle is that it doesn’t matter who wins, as long as Juve don’t win. That’s the environment we’re operating in.

 

“People are only interested in Juve not winning, and all we have to do is deny them that. We want to keep winning, we exist to win.

 

“As those who have led Juventus before us taught us, we know perfectly well that the most important victory isn’t the one just achieved, but the next one.

 

“I want to thank the people who are here with me, because in 2016 they couldn’t have done more to write Italian football history, but this year we have to become legendary.

 

“This year we have a great privilege. To become legendary we have two paths, national and international.

 

“No-one has written their name as campione d’Italia six times [in a row], and to write it as European champions means becoming legendary.

 

“We must have our focus constantly on what we have to do in 2017, but first we have to close out 2016 with two delicate games: Roma and the Supercoppa against Milan in Doha.

 

“In sport strength comes from preparation, yes, from strength, but especially from mentality. The mentality is what makes the difference.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Juventus deny meeting ultra thug

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97449/juventus-deny-meeting-ultra-thug

 

 

Jan 26, 2017

 

Juventus have released a statement denying media reports that President Andrea Agnelli met people involved with organised crime.

 

There is an ongoing investigation into claims that the ‘Ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia, infiltrated Ultra groups, touting tickets supplied by the Bianconeri to make money.

 

“Juventus Football Club and President Andrea Agnelli, in light of articles published in recent days, announces that it has entrusted the protection of its honour and respectability to the legal team,” the statement begins.

 

“It is noted that Turin’s public prosecutor has launched and recently concluded an investigation into some families considered to belong to the ‘Ndrangheta, also charged with crimes against persons and property and the attempted infiltration of some of the activities of Juventus Football Club.

 

“It is also pointed out that no employee or affiliate has been investigated in criminal court.

 

“It is also noted that, in full respect of the investigation and the investigators, the club has always co-operated by maintaining strict confidentiality to protect the secrets of the investigation.

 

“With regard to sporting justice, the club has already demonstrated its readiness to actively co-operate.”

 

Today’s edition of il Fatto Quotidiano alleged that Agnelli had met with Ultra leaders with links to organised crime.

 

This was based on the words of former Ultra leader Fabio Germani, who claims to have introduced Agnelli to Rocco Dominello, who was arrested for association with the ‘Ndrangheta.

 

However, security manager Alessandro D’Angelo told investigators that this was “absolutely not true” and that Germani was “bragging, as he always does”.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Elkann: ‘Inter are sore losers’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98129/elkann-‘inter-are-sore-losers’

 

 

Feb 9, 2017

 

Exor President John Elkann declares “it’s amazing Inter’s ability to be sore losers, they should be used to it”.

 

Following Juventus’ win in the Derby d’Italia on Sunday night, there has been no end to the controversy over referee Nicola Rizzoli’s decisions.

 

A protest by the Beneamata’s fans is being planned, but the head of the Bianconeri’s holding company tells them to get over it.

 

“It’s amazing, Inter’s ability to be sore losers, they should be getting used to it,” Elkann said at an event celebrating La Stampa’s 150th anniversary.

 

“I was at Juventus Stadium, it was a good game, positive even for Inter. I’m sorry that they feel the need to create controversy after a game Juve deservedly won, playing well.

 

“The important thing is to understand what’s happening on the pitch, and recognise the sportsmanship that Juve have always demonstrated.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Agnelli: 'I did not meet Mafia ultras'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99339/agnelli-i-did-not-meet-mafia-ultras

 

 

Mar 7, 2017

 

Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has replied to new reports he met with ultras who were also members of organised crime. “What you are reading is FALSE.”

 

The latest report emerged from news agency Ansa based on documentation that reached the Turin Prosecutor via the FIGC Prosecutor.

 

“Saverio Dominello and his son Rocco are representatives in Turin of the Bellocco Pesce clan, of Rosarno. Rocco Dominello has a rapport with the Juve directors to deal with tickets and season tickets.

 

“The directors who had contact with these people are: Merulla, Carugo, D’Angelo and President Agnelli.”

 

It’s noted that director general Beppe Marotta also met with these ultras, albeit occasionally, but is not involved in this investigation.

 

“With respect to the investigative and judicial branches, I remind that I have NEVER met Mafia bosses. What you are reading is FALSE,” replied President Agnelli via Twitter.

 

It’s entirely possible Agnelli met with the ultras leaders without knowing their background.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli

denies mafia ties for ticket sales

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/3077825/juventus-president

-andrea-agnelli-denies-mafia-ties-for-ticket-sales

 

 

Mar 8, 2017

 

 

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has declared his innocence after being drawn into an anti-mafia investigation by the Italian Football Association.

Agnelli was named on Monday by the Italian FA's (FIGC) prosecutors as one of the figures under investigation in relation to alleged mafia involvement in the sale of tickets for Juventus matches.

It is claimed that members of the 'ndrangheta have been working, with the club's consent, on touting tickets for fixtures at the Juventus Stadium. A dossier of over 5,000 pages has already been compiled on alleged mafia infiltration in the city of Turin, including with the sale of football tickets, but Agnelli insists he has nothing to do with it.

"With respect for the investigating organs and the judges, I would like to remind people that I have NEVER met with mafia bosses. What I am reading is FALSE," he wrote on Twitter.

 

 

 Follow

Andrea Agnelli @andagn

Nel rispetto di organi inquirenti e giudicanti ricordo che non ho MAI incontrato boss mafiosi. Ciò che leggo è FALSO. #finoallafine...

5:11 PM - 7 Mar 2017

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The FIGC's prosecutor Giuseppe Pecoraro is of a different view, however. According to the ANSA news agency, he has evidence "that Saverio Dominello [of 'ndrangheta] and his son, Rocco, are represented in Turin by Belloco Pesce di Rosarno and that Rocco Dominello has a relationship with Juventus management for the management of tickets and season tickets."

A telephone conversation between Agnelli and another member of Juve management in which Agnelli says four times that it is "impossible" that he has met with Rocco Dominello was heard as part of a dossier presented to Pecoraro on Monday.

"I will now evaluate this carefully and then I will take a decision with my colleagues," Pecoraro told ANSA. "I have only spoken about contacts, not of relationships."

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Agnelli will testify to Anti-Mafia

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99716/agnelli-will-testify-anti-mafia

 

 

Mar 15, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

 

Juventus President Andrea Agnelli will testify in front of the Anti-Mafia Commission and is “happy to clarify anything” regarding tickets to ultras.

 

Today the President of the Commission, Rosy Bindi, confirmed today that Agnelli would be present after speaking to Juventus lawyer Luigi Chiappero.

 

“There have never been wiretaps or other evidence regarding the Juventus President, never a reference to a meeting – nothing,” noted Chiappero.

 

“There are two telephone calls between the President and security manager Alesssandro D’Angelo, and six phone calls in which other people speak about the President in a manner irrelevant to the tickets.

 

“In any case, we are totally at your disposal and happy to clarify everything by coming here to give his contribution.

 

“It is necessary to distinguish between what happened up until July 2016 and what happened afterwards, when Juve employees took on the role of witnesses.

 

“The case revolves around Rocco Dominello, who is currently on trial for association with the Ndrangheta (Calabrian mafia), who claims that our security manager Alessandro D’Angelo, dealt with some ticket allocation and communication with the fans.

 

“At a certain point Rocco Dominello came into contact with D’Angelo – this person was and at this moment still is without any criminal record.

 

“There are no invitations to weddings, baptisms or anything else. Alessandro D’Angelo, the security manager of Juve, quite simply speaks to a man who is a regular in the Curva and has a clean criminal record.

 

“D’Angelo had no idea he was speaking to anyone other than a representative of the ultras.”

 

President of the Anti-Mafia Commission Bindi replied that “we are worried you are denying the existence of this phenomenon: are you continuing to give tickets to the ultras?

 

“Now we need to find the opportune instruments to make all those in sport aware of the risks and therefore able to protect the entire system of professional football, which includes clubs that are floated on the stock exchange, from any risk of illegal activity.

 

“All of this suggests the strength of the mafia is in being underestimated.”

 

Italian clubs have always had a very strong rapport with the ultras groups and not all of those in the Curva have a clean criminal record. 

 

Unlike in football teams elsewhere in Europe, the ultras organised groups tend to have a surprising amount of access to the players, club chiefs and receive occasional tickets.

 

Some groups also licence the merchandising rights from clubs.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Agnelli: 'Disciplinary action unacceptable'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99849/agnelli-disciplinary-action-unacceptable

 

 

Mar 18, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

 

Juventus President Andrea Agnelli confirmed he and the club are deferred to the Disciplinary Commission for meeting ultras linked to the mafia, but “it’s unacceptable.”

 

The patron had said he will testify in front of the Anti-Mafia Commission regarding some ultras who are under investigation for links to the Ndrangheta (Calabrian organised crime).

 

Agnelli and the Juventus lawyer have repeatedly stated that they only ever communicated with these two men indirectly as representatives of the ultras and there was no close rapport.

 

This morning a fake Twitter account purporting to be Agnelli announced the President would be resigning with immediate effect.

 

“Half an hour ago I was notified that I have been deferred to the Disciplinary Commission, along with Francesco Calvo, who at the time was our director, Alessandro D’Angelo and Stefano Merulla.

 

“This club, its dependents and myself have no reason to fear or lie, which is why I am here in front of you today,” said Agnelli at a Press conference.

 

“In recent months members of the Juventus staff in who I have the utmost faith testified to the Anti-Mafia Commission. This testimony was analysed meticulously in an invasive fashion, including with wiretaps, and has never changed. They were witnesses and they remain witnesses to the end of the investigation.

 

“Today the FIGC, instead of limiting itself to contesting eventual irregularities in the sale of tickets, is deferring me and our dependents with the accusation of “collaborating” with organised crime.

 

“It is unacceptable and down to a prejudice towards Juventus and inaccurate reading of the situation that has no logic to it. I wish to remind you that prevention of public order problems is done in strict collaboration with all the police authorities.

 

“I will defend myself, I will defend my collaborators and I will defend the good name of Juventus, which has already had mud slung at it during some curious experimental sporting justice rulings in the past.

 

“I invite you reporters from today to look deeply into the themes of an inquest that has curiously seen the names of those accused of mafia links disappear to be replaced in the headlines by WITNESSES whose only crime is to work for a very famous club whose name is on everyone’s lips.

 

“I similarly invite you all to be witnesses and not instruments to make prejudiced conclusions that would in my view be wrong and against everything the justice system stands for.

 

“I never met with any Mafia bosses. I want to remind everyone that at the time these ultras were and indeed still are free of any criminal record.

 

“I have met with ultras from various different groups, whether from the Club Doc, Members or other ultras, and always in the clear light of day. This is normal for a President of a football club.

 

“If some figures have a new position now in the eyes of the justice system, they did not have it at the time. I will explain this to the Sporting Justices and not to you.

 

“Are some ultras members not exactly Saints? I agree, but they had a clean criminal record and no restriction on attending games.

 

“Like all clubs, Juventus collaborate with the State – we cannot replace the work of the police. We were only recently cited as an example of a virtuous club when it came to communication with the ultras.

 

“I thought it my duty to come here and tell you the situation directly, without any mediation.

 

“Some of you also theorised a possible change of the leadership at Juventus. I am sorry to disappoint you, but this group of directors made up of myself, Vice-President Pavel Nedved, general manager Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici, intends to keep Juventus growing for a long time yet.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Elkann: 'Complete faith in Agnelli'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99858/elkann-complete-faith-agnelli

 

 

Mar 18, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

 

John Elkann released a statement confirming his “complete faith” in Juventus President Andrea Agnelli – his cousin – after accusations of mafia collusion.

 

Today Agnelli held a brief Press conference in which he confirmed the FIGC had deferred him and Juventus to the Disciplinary Commission for collaboration with organised crime, rather than the weaker charge of irregularities in ticket sales.

 

The Bianconeri insist they never met with anyone who had a criminal record and are purely witnesses.

 

“I am sure that Juventus’ full collaboration with the authorities will demonstrate the club’s complete non-involvement regarding the accusations held,” read Elkann’s statement.

 

“I would like to reiterate my complete faith in the conduct of my cousin Andrea, who has led the club and his managerial team to the present day and will continue to do so in the future.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

'I never met with any Mafia bosses' - Juventus

president Agnelli responds to FIGC

 

 

The Italian Football Federation has summoned the Serie A champions to a

Disciplinary Commission, but the club's supremo insists his side is blameless

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/03/18/33776982/-

 

 

Mar 18, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has strongly denied any wrongdoing after confirming both he and fellow club officials have been summoned to attend an Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Disciplinary Commission over alleged irregularities relating to ticket sales.

 

Several prominent figures at Juve have already been called to testify at a parliamentary Anti-Mafia Commission amid claims of a connection between club officials, fanatical 'ultra' supporter groups and suspected organised crime bosses regarding the distribution of tickets.

 

On Saturday, Agnelli attended a news conference to staunchly defend his reputation and that of the Serie A champions.

 

"Half an hour ago I was notified that I have been deferred to the [FIGC] Disciplinary Commission, along with Francesco Calvo, who at the time was our director, [security manager] Alessandro D'Angelo and [ticketing manager] Stefano Merulla," he said.

 

"This club, its dependents and myself have no reason to fear or lie, which is why I am here in front of you today.

 

 

"In recent months members of the Juventus staff, in who I have the utmost faith, testified to the Anti-Mafia Commission. This testimony was analysed meticulously in an invasive fashion, including with wiretaps, and has never changed. They were witnesses and they remain witnesses to the end of the investigation.

 

"Today the FIGC, instead of limiting itself to contesting eventual irregularities in the sale of tickets, is deferring me and our dependents with the accusation of 'collaborating' with organised crime."

 

It is just over a decade since Juventus were embroiled in the 2006 Calciopoli scandal, and were stripped of titles and demoted after being found guilty of attempting to influence referees.

 

Seemingly making reference to that notorious saga, Agnelli said of the latest issue: "It is unacceptable and down to a prejudice towards Juventus and inaccurate reading of the situation that has no logic to it.

 

"I will defend myself, I will defend my collaborators and I will defend the good name of Juventus, which has already had mud slung at it during some curious experimental sporting justice rulings in the past.

 

"I invite you reporters from today to look deeply into the themes of an inquest that has curiously seen the names of those accused of mafia links disappear to be replaced in the headlines by witnesses whose only crime is to work for a very famous club whose name is on everyone's lips.

 

"I similarly invite you all to be witnesses and not instruments to make prejudiced conclusions that would in my view be wrong and against everything the justice system stands for.

 

"I never met with any Mafia bosses. I want to remind everyone that at the time these ultras were, and indeed still are, free of any criminal record.

 

"I have met with ultras from various different groups… and always in the clear light of day. This is normal for a president of a football club.

 

 

"Are some ultras members not exactly Saints? I agree, but they had a clean criminal record and no restriction on attending games.

 

"I thought it my duty to come here and tell you the situation directly, without any mediation."

 

The president also insisted the officials in charge at Juventus Stadium, who have helped to steer the club to the verge of an unprecedented sixth successive Scudetto triumph, have no intention of standing down, contrary to rumours that emerged early on Saturday.

"Some of you also theorised a possible change of the leadership at Juventus," he said.

 

"I am sorry to disappoint you, but this group of directors made up of myself, vice-president Pavel Nedved, general manager Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici, intends to keep Juventus growing for a long time yet."

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

FIGC: 'Juventus met with ultras'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99866/figc-juventus-met-ultras

 

 

Mar 18, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

 

The FIGC has released its statement on why Juventus and Andrea Agnelli were deferred to the Disciplinary Commission for meeting ultras with organised crime links.

 

Today President Agnelli held a Press conference to explain that he had just been served with the deferment notice and would be strongly protesting his innocence, along with that of his collaborators.

 

While Agnelli admits to meeting with various members of the Juventus fan groups, he insists they had clean criminal records at the time and their supposed links to the Ndrangheta (Calabrian organised crime) were unknown.

 

This evening, the FIGC Prosecutor released his reasoning for the accusation and there seems to be relatively little in it that other Serie A clubs don’t regularly do as well.

 

“In the period from the 2011-12 season to at least all of 2015-16, Agnelli with the express intent of maintaining public order in the sectors of the stadium occupied by the ‘ultras’ fans and avoiding potential fines or sanctions, he did not prevent Juventus directors, players and dependents from having constant and lasting relations with the so-called ‘ultras groups’, which included members of organised crime, authorising the sale of tickets and season tickets superior to the consented sum.

 

“These tickets were also handed out without the presentation of ID, therefore violating the public safety security norms and thus knowingly favouring the phenomenon of ticket touts.

 

“He personally took part in some meetings with members of organised crime and the ‘ultras’, allowing them during Juventus-Torino in February 2014 to bring banned fireworks and banners, all aimed at assuaging and earning the benevolence of the ‘ultras.’”

 

If these are the accusations, then the only element that stands Juventus and Agnelli apart from every other Serie A club is the presence of ultras linked to organised crime – but as these men had and indeed still do have a clean criminal record, there was no way of knowing that at the time.

 

All Serie A clubs have very close ties with the ultras and give them tickets, while despite the rules barring the introduction of fireworks and smokebombs into stadiums, they are regularly seen in every game.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Juventus wiretaps raise questions

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100067/juventus-wiretaps-raise-questions

 

 

Mar 22, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Purported wiretapped conversations claim to show Juventus President Andrea Agnelli knew ultras leaders “had killed people” as early as 2014.

 

The Bianconeri President has been called to testify at the Anti-Mafia Commission after the FIGC deferred him and the club to the Disciplinary Commission for knowingly interacting with members of organised crime.

 

Agnelli protested his innocence, insisting he and his staff were unaware that these leaders of the fan groups had any links to the ‘Ndrangheta (Calabrian mafia).

 

Today The Huffington Post published what it claims are unreleased elements of the investigation, in which FIGC prosecutor Giuseppe Pecoraro states “not only was Agnelli aware of the structural rapport and favours allowed to the groups of organised fans who had associations with crime, but also allowed such conduct.”

 

The Huffington Post also published what it claims are unreleased extracts from two wiretapped telephone conversations President Agnelli had with Juventus security chief Alessandro D’Angelo.

 

In 2016 he confirmed that he had met “them,” but the big scoop – if confirmed – is that in March 2014 Agnelli said this of ultras leader Loris Grancini: “The problem is this – he killed people.”

 

D’Angelo replied: “He sent people to kill.”

 

This would suggest Agnelli and D’Angelo were aware that the people they were dealing with were involved in organised crime.

 

In other conversation, D’Angelo tells chief of fan rapports Alberto Pairetto that he is “afraid” of being involved in a criminal inquiry, because “everyone knew the family Rocco Dominello came from.”

 

D’Angelo also said in another wiretap that “I spoke to Rocco (Dominello) on the phone, he told me he is sending loads of text messages to the Coach (Antonio Conte).”

 

Today, Agnelli’s lawyer Luigi Chiappero urged the Anti-Mafia Commission and FIGC to release all the relevant information, assuring they had nothing to hide and welcome the opportunity to explain their side of the story.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Nedved on Czech coin

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100090/nedved-czech-coin

 

 

Mar 23, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Juventus and Lazio hero Pavel Nedvěd now appears on a special coin in his native Czech Republic.

 

The former midfielder represented his country 91 times, and was the star man as they reached the semi-finals of Euro 2004.

 

Now 44, he spent most of his career in Italy, winning two Coppa Italia and a Scudetto with Lazio before moving to Juve, where he was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2004.

 

During his time with the Bianconeri he won four Scudetti - with two later revoked - and stayed with the club when they dropped down to Serie B after the Calciopoli scandal. He is currently the club’s vice-President.

 

Now the Czech Mint in Jablonec nad Nisou has released a special set of 10 coins, commemorating legendary Czech and Czechoslovakian players.

 

Nedved is included along with Ivo Viktor, Jan Lála, Karol Dobiáš, Miroslav Kadlec, Josef Masopust, Karel Poborský, Antonín Panenka, Josef Kadraba and Zdeněk Nehoda.

 

Each coin features the face of the player in question and their signature on one side, with Nedved’s also featuring Queen Elizabeth II, who opened Euro ’96, where the Czechs reached the Semi-Finals.

 

The coins will raise money for a foundation which seeks to help players from older who represented the Czech Republic or Czechoslovakia at least once, and didn’t earn enough to sustain themselves in later life.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Nedved: ‘Juventus? I have some names…’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100107/nedved-‘juventus-i-have-some-names…’

 

 

Mar 23, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Pavel Nedved “has some names” for Juventus but “I won’t tell you or they’ll cost more”.

 

The Bianconeri vice-President is back in his native Czech Republic for the launch of a special coin, and discussed Czech Serie A stars as well as the Old Lady.

 

“[Ladislav] Krejci, [Patrik] Schick and [Jakub] Jantko are honouring you and they have a great career ahead,” Nedved assured, speaking to Idnes.

 

“The Italian League is difficult and you mature tactically there. Once you’ve learned to play in Italy, you can play anywhere in the world.

 

“Who would I advise Juventus to buy? I have some names, but I won’t tell you or they’ll cost more.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

FIGC slams ‘media-driven’ Anti-Mafia

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100128/figc-slams-media-driven-anti-mafia

 

 

Mar 24, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has slammed the Anti-Mafia Commission for running a “media-driven” trial against Juventus.

 

Juve President Andrea Agnell has been called to testify at the Anti-Mafia Commission after the FIGC deferred him and the club to the Disciplinary Commission for knowingly interacting with members of organised crime.

 

“On the ticket case involving Juve, we’re not worried: we need to deal with sporting justice, but it seems to me that this trial is being media-driven,” Gazzetta dello Sport reports FIGC director-general Michele Uva as saying.

 

“The courts must be able to take their own course with peace of mind, but it seems to me that the Anti-Mafia Commission is carrying out a very media-driven trial and this is no good for football or Italy. Football gives media exposure and this is evident at this time.”

 

However, the Anti-Mafia Commission’s Vice-President, Claudio Fava, hit back: “If the director-general of the FIGC defines a criminal investigation into the infiltration of the [criminal group] ‘Ndrangheta in the circuit of supporter groups as something trivial, there’s something to be concerned about.

 

“If you then ask the Anti-Mafia Commission to focus on something else, there’s another thing to be embarrassed about.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Report: Agnelli testified to FIGC

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100231/report-agnelli-testified-figc

 

 

Mar 26, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

There are reports Juventus President Andrea Agnelli already testified to the FIGC last month on ticket touts and potential organised crime among ultras.

 

Juventus and Agnelli are among those deferred to the Disciplinary Commission for associating with the ultras groups, including some members who have links to the ‘Ndrangheta (Calabrian mafia).

 

Agnelli has strongly denied knowingly meeting someone with organised crime connections, noting that the person in question – Rocco Dominello – still has a clean criminal record. He is merely under investigation for mafia links.

 

According to news agency Ansa, Agnelli has already testified in front of FIGC prosecutor Giuseppe Pecoraro in February, completing the process behind closed doors to minimise the risk of scandal.

 

He insisted that he never met Dominello alone, as they were always accompanied by numerous other fans and club representatives, as they would be with any ultras leader.

 

The situation took a turn for the worse over the last few days, as sealed evidence including wiretap transcripts – which were not even in possession of Agnelli’s lawyers – were leaked into the media.

 

This prompted FIGC director general Michele Uva to complain it was being turned into “a trial by media.”

 

Juve’s lawyer, Luigi Chiappero, has asked for all evidence to be released into the public rather than let it be leaked out without context and with the possibility of changes.

 

While Agnelli has been deferred to the FIGC Disciplinary Commission, he will be called purely as a witness to testify in front of the Anti-Mafia Commission.

 

Juventus, Agnelli and any of their employees are not under investigation for any wrongdoing by the Anti-Mafia Commission, so any accusations at this point are purely from the sporting justice body.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

‘Not just Juventus with ultras tickets’

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100264/‘not-just-juventus-ultras-tickets’

 

 

Mar 27, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

The vice-President of the anti-Mafia commission warns investigations into Serie A clubs would probably reveal ticket scalping.

 

Juventus have been deferred to the FIGC’s disciplinary commission for associating with the ultras groups, including some members who have links to the ‘Ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia.

 

President Andrea Agnelli will also give evidence to the anti-Mafia commission, as a witness rather than someone being investigated for wrongdoing.

 

The Bianconeri hierarchy have been accused of giving the ultras at Juventus Stadium tickets on credit in return for good behaviour, and it’s thought these were re-sold, generating money for organised crime.

 

Agnelli has admitted to meeting with fans’ groups, but has stridently denied knowing about any connection to the Mafia.

 

“The phenomenon of scalping on tickets is gaining ground thanks to the smaller capacities of stadiums for the big teams,” Luigi Gaetti, vice-President of the anti-Mafia commission told reporters.

 

“It’s normal that for Juventus there’s a tendency to play down the story, I think if the other clubs had been investigated so painstakingly we’d probably find high levels of this type of irregularity.

 

“The Juventus Stadium is a ground with 40,000 seats which tends to be full, and this can create a problem.

 

“It’s normal that when the Stadio della Roma is built, being small it could also be subject to this phenomenon of scalping.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

‘Juventus wiretaps misleading’

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100285/‘juventus-wiretaps-misleading’

 

 

Mar 28, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Juventus’ lawyer, Luigi Chiappero, says wiretaps published of President Andrea Agnelli are “extremely misleading”.

 

Over the weekend, purported transcripts appeared to show the Bianconeri patron acknowledging that ultras leader Loris Grancini “killed people”.

 

In addition, security chief Alessandro D’Angelo allegedly told supporters liaison officer Alberto Pairetto that “everyone knew the family Rocco Dominello came from”.

 

Given that the club is being investigated for ties to the Calabrian mafia, the ‘Ndrangheta, these leaks were a bombshell in Italy, but the club’s lawyer has hit back.

 

“What’s happening is something extremely wrong,” Chiappero fumed, speaking to JTV.

 

“It’s bringing back pieces of wiretaps, moments and extrapolated phrases here and there. It’s extremely misleading, because you can pass off as true things which are not inherently true.

 

“They’re real to the extent that they were said, but on the basis of an argument and not of proven fact: that’s the big difference.

“If I don’t pay attention to the entire context in which a call was made, I can divulge snippets of phone calls to use them for a certain purpose. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

The club are accused of selling tickets to the ultras on credit, with these then being touted by the Mafia for a profit.

 

“We’ve never denied having done, in quotation marks, ‘wrong’ in reserving more than four tickets for the ultras.

 

“We’re not defending the impossible, we’ve also explained why we did it, there are reasons why it was done.

 

“We’re not trying to say: ‘we should be absolutely absolved of this’. So that’s not the point.

 

“The point is that if this goes forward, this ambiguous charge of complicity with organised crime should disappear, when that happens it will become very simple and it can be resolved in a peaceful manner.

 

“We can’t and never will have that as long as they continue to maintain that the Juventus directors consciously did this with people who are now on trial but with whom we had a relationship very much in line with the relationships others have with the curve and the ultras.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

‘Juventus wanted public order’

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100300/‘juventus-wanted-public-order’

 

 

Mar 28, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

A supposed leaked submission from Juventus President Andrea Agnelli declares “the only goal was public order” in giving tickets to ultras.

 

The Bianconeri are under investigation for alleged links to organised crime, after the ‘Ndrangheta [the Calabrian mafia] were found to be making money from ticket touting at Juventus Stadium.

 

The club does not deny having given tickets to the ultras on credit in return for good behaviour, but refutes any allegation that they knew about links to the mafia.

 

Corriere della Sera is carrying what is purported to be a leaked submission by Agnelli and his lawyers, Luigi Chiappero and Maria Turco to federal prosecutors.

 

In the 36-page document it is stressed that “the only goal was public order inside the new stadium”.

 

The club is described as “the victim” of “criminal strategies” which were “designed to extort tickets and benefits”.

 

It’s pointed out that the club had to deal with security inside the stadium, and therefore “had to deal with problems which are difficult to manage”.

 

Intermediaries between the club and the ultras were "intimidated" by the head ultras, say the President and his lawyers, in a way which has been "underestimated" in the original report.

 

Agnelli has been deferred to the disciplinary commission of the FIGC, but he and the club are only being treated as witnesses by the Anti-Mafia Commission.

 

The FIGC has accused the club of “knowingly favouring the phenomenon of ticket touts”, something which Juventus deny.

 

Giving tickets to ultras is common practice in Italy, and the vice-President of the Anti-Mafia Commission has raised fears that similar links to organised crime may exist in other ultra groups.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Juve storm over Anti-Mafia Commission

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100386/juve-storm-over-anti-mafia-commission

 

 

Mar 30, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

A member of the Anti-Mafia commission accuses Juventus of corruption, with the President saying he is undermining the organisation.

 

The Bianconeri are working with the commission in relation to infiltration of their ultras by the ‘Ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia.

 

In addition, the club has been deferred to the disciplinary commission of the FIGC, but a storm has erupted over the words of one of the Anti-Mafia Commission.

 

Marcello Tagliatatela was interviewed on Radio 24 yesterday, and admitted to being a Napoli fan and chanting against Juve “when they deserve it”.

 

Pressed on what that meant, he replied “when they get favours from referees” and then alluded to the Calciopoli scandal.

 

Tagliatatela then declared “the referees are sponsored by Fiat, and therefore Juventus, they take money”, insisting that the AIA “has a sponsorship from a company owned by Fiat”.

 

In fact the referees’ association is sponsored by EuroVita, which is 78 per cent owned by a large investment fund named J.C. Flowers & Co.

The Agnelli family’s holding company, Exor, once had a tiny stake in the fund, but it was sold many years before the sponsorship of the AIA began in 2015.

 

Unsurprisingly, the President of the Anti-Mafia Commission was displeased with her colleague.

 

“The words of Tagliatatela are serious and unnecessarily offensive to the work of the Commission,” Rosy Bindi told Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

Given the words of Tagliatatela, fans of the Old Lady have raised fears that the Commission will be biased against their club, but the man in question isn’t backing down.

 

“They didn’t pay them [the referees] but they locked them in bathrooms,” he told Top Calcio 24.

 

“I don’t forget what happened in the past, it can happen in the present too. I haven’t accused anyone, not even [Andrea] Agnelli, we’ll see what comes out of the Commission on the question of Juventus and the ‘Ndrangheta.

 

“I should apologise? To who? To a club which had two Scudetti revoked?”