Udinese ‘surprised’ by Mandragora indictment over Juventus deal in 2018 | OneFootball

Udinese released a formal statement expressing ‘surprise’ that the authorities have requested an indictment in the investigation into Rolando Mandragora’s transfer from Juventus.

The midfielder made the move from Juve to Udinese at a cost of €20m in the summer of 2018, then was sold back for €15m in October 2020, but remained on loan at the Stadio Friuli until January 2021.

The Friulani are accused of creating a ‘fake’ profit of €3.11m by writing into it an option to buy that was instead an ‘irrevocable obligation.’

Mandragora was sold to Fiorentina for €8m plus add-ons in 2022 and remains at the Stadio Artemio Franchi to this day.

The prosecutor in Udine recommended the indictment of Udinese President Franco Soldati and Vice President Stefano Campoccia.

Udinese respond to Mandragora indictment request

BRUGES, BELGIUM – MAY 08: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after teammate Lucas Beltran (hidden) scores his team’s first goal from a penalty kick during the UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 Semi-Final second leg match between Club Brugge and ACF Fiorentina at Jan Breydelstadion on May 08, 2024 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The Serie A club released a formal statement this evening regarding the issue and expressing confidence that it would be resolved.

“Udinese Calcio notes, with some surprise, the request by the Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office for the indictment of President Franco Soldati and Vice President Stefano Campoccia regarding the investigation into alleged fictitious capital gains in connection with the sale of the player Rolando Mandragora,” read the statement.

“Without wishing to delve into the merits of the counterarguments, which were submitted in detail to the Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office at the close of the investigation, we cannot help but note that identical criminal proceedings were dismissed by the Bologna GIP (preliminary hearing judge) with legal arguments that are entirely consistent with those applicable to the case submitted to the Udine GUP (preliminary hearing judge).

“It is therefore hoped that the preliminary hearing will result in an acquittal due to the lack of evidence against the accused.”