Moggi decision proves innocence, says Juve

Juventus says the Tribunal of Naples’ ruling on Luciano Moggi has absolved them of guilt in the Calciopoli scandal.

Former Juventus general director Moggi was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of sporting fraud, though he is not expected to spend any time behind bars as he and 15 others sentenced by the tribunal are unlikely to be ordered to prison before their appeals process runs out.

Juventus were stripped of two Serie A titles and relegated to Serie B as a result of the Calciopoli investigation, but had a request for damages refused by the court on Tuesday.

Along with AC Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Reggina, Juventus were implicated in a match-fixing scandal involving club officials, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) representatives and referees.

“Today’s decision stated Juventus’ non involvement with the matters charged,” a club statement read. “The club was taken to the court of Naples as civilly liable entity by way of objective liability according to Art. 2049 Italian Civil Code.”

“The decision emerged from the result of a thorough hearing and from the analysis of all evidence, clashed with the reality of an inaccurate sports law which severely penalised Juventus, the sole club damaged due to the removal of two titles – following the victories achieved on the pitch – with consequent relegation and related extensive losses.”

“Juventus will continue their legitimate campaigns in order to restore the equality of treatment.”