Juventus face another UEFA punishment with investigation into alleged financial irregularities opened

Juventus’ off-field troubles are far from over. UEFA has officially opened an investigation into the Italian giants for potential breaches of financial regulations covering the three-year period between the 2022-23 and 2024-25 seasons, according to the Athletic. The case will assess whether the Bianconeri exceeded UEFA’s allowable loss limit of €60 million (£50m/$65m), which can extend to €90m(£76m/$98m) if the club demonstrates healthy financial management.

The findings of the investigation are expected in spring 2026, with possible outcomes ranging from fines to squad restrictions in UEFA competitions. For Juve, who are currently competing in this season’s Champions League, the timing could not be worse. The club have only just begun to restore credibility after being banned from Europe for a year in 2023 for previous financial breaches.

Juventus issued a brief statement confirming their awareness of the new proceedings, attempting to downplay the severity of the situation. However, internally, there is growing concern about the potential impact on future planning, especially as they prepare for a crucial shareholders’ meeting on November 7 the same day CEO Maurizio Scanavino is set to step down after three years in charge.

This latest investigation reopens wounds that have barely begun to heal. Juventus’ financial conduct has been under constant scrutiny since 2023, when UEFA banned the club for one season and imposed a €20m (£17m/$22m) fine for irregularities related to club licensing and FFP. Half of that fine was suspended, pending the club’s compliance with financial reporting in 2023, 2024 and 2025 the very years now under investigation.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had also previously punished the club domestically, docking them 10 points in Serie A for false accounting related to inflated player valuations in transfer dealings. Though Juventus initially had 15 points deducted, the penalty was reduced on appeal but the reputational damage was already done.

Despite this, the club’s hierarchy has consistently maintained that the Serie A giants have acted in accordance with financial fair play principles. They argue that ongoing restructuring efforts, including wage cuts, player sales and a reduction in operating costs are evidence of a more sustainable long-term model. Yet UEFA’s renewed focus suggests that the governing body remains unconvinced.

The Bianconeri's relationship with UEFA has been fragile ever since the failed European Super League project in 2021. Although Real Madrid and Barcelona have since softened their stance, Juve’s insistence on pursuing alternative revenue models left a lingering tension with football’s authorities. This new probe risks reopening old wounds at a time when the club are eager to move forward.

The timing also complicates the club’s ongoing financial restructuring plan. UEFA’s updated “football earnings rule” and the “squad cost rule” (SCR), introduced in 2022, have tightened oversight on spending relative to income. The SCR allows clubs to spend no more than 70 per cent of their revenue on player wages, transfers, and agents - a limit Juventus have struggled to meet while maintaining a competitive squad.

Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli and the club’s board have worked hard to balance the books since the scandal, offloading high-earning players and focusing on developing academy talents. But the looming investigation threatens to derail those efforts, with the potential for sanctions that could limit new signings or impact European participation yet again.

The next few months will be crucial for Juve both on and off the pitch. UEFA’s decision is not expected before spring 2026, giving the club time to present evidence of compliance and improved financial health. Internally, the club are expected to cooperate fully with investigators in a bid to avoid harsher penalties.

From a footballing perspective, the Old Lady remain focused on maintaining momentum in Serie A, where they sit fifth with 12 points from six games. They will face Como next before a major Champions League test against Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, matches that could either steady the mood or heighten pressure on the management.

The shareholders’ meeting on November 7 will also be a defining moment. With Scanavino stepping down, Juventus are expected to outline a new executive structure aimed at transparency and fiscal discipline. Yet, for a club still haunted by past controversies, the latest UEFA investigation serves as another reminder that rebuilding trust in Turin will be a long and complex journey.