De Laurentiis rejects Bari probe: ‘No case should exist’

The Filmauro offices in Naples and Bari were sealed off by judicial authorities on Tuesday morning, marking the start of a probe into alleged financial irregularities at Bari. The investigation, led by the Bari Prosecutor’s office, centres on Bari’s financial records, which show operating losses of around €30m between 2019 and 2025. Prosecutors also cite a substantial capital deficit and debt exposure without a credible restructuring plan.

Aurelio De Laurentiis, owner of both SSC Napoli and Bari, and his son Luigi, sole director of Bari, are at the centre of the investigation. The offices of Bari and Filmauro, the holding company for both clubs, were searched as part of the inquiry into false accounting and fraudulent bankruptcy offences. Suspicious transactions, including the transfer of goalkeeper Elia Caprile, are under scrutiny.

The De Laurentiis family responded with astonishment, publishing a statement on the SSC Napoli website on Tuesday evening. It describes the search and seizure decree executed that morning as “unfounded” and asserts that both clubs and the De Laurentises were “astonished” by the objections raised. The statement rejects any suggestion of wrongdoing, calling the investigation baseless.

Aurelio De Laurentiis has publicly criticised the investigation, particularly the scrutiny over the Caprile transfer. The family’s response highlights that the valuation of Caprile’s intra-group transfer was determined by an independent sworn appraisal from a highly-accredited football professional. It also notes that Bari’s operating losses are covered by ownership using its own resources.

SSC Bari, SSC Napoli, Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis assert their conviction that their position will be clarified quickly before the competent Judicial Authority. They express confidence that proceedings will be swiftly dismissed, citing full compliance with law, accounting standards and federal regulations in their daily operations.