De Laurentiis brothers investigated for alleged bankruptcy over Napoli‑Bari player transfer

Italian financial police (Guardia di Finanza) carried out raids on the headquarters of SSC Napoli and SSC Bari after prosecutors in Bari opened an investigation into club presidents Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis. The inquiry alleges fraudulent bankruptcy, embezzlement and false accounting linked to the 2023 transfer of goalkeeper Elia Caprile from Bari to Napoli for €2.2 million. Investigators say Bari waived a resale clause and missed a later €7 million plus‑value when Napoli sold the player to Cagliari, creating a significant financial loss for the club, which is already in deep deficit and facing a request for judicial liquidation.

The De Laurentiis family released a joint statement saying they are “astonished” by the accusations, emphasizing that the player’s value was determined by an independent, sworn appraisal and that both clubs meet their financial commitments, with losses covered by the owners. They request a swift dismissal of the case, asserting full compliance with accounting and federation rules. The probe covers the period 2019‑2025 and estimates a €30 million deficit for Bari.

The investigation also involves searches at the Filmauro group’s Rome office and at the clubs’ sporting directors. No charges have yet been filed, and both clubs have denied wrongdoing.