Investigation into Bari: Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis Accused of False Accounting and Fraudulent Bankruptcy

The Bari Prosecutor’s Office is investigating Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis, prominent figures in Italian football, for alleged false accounting and fraudulent bankruptcy in connection with their management of the Serie C club, SSC Bari.

Searches have been conducted at the headquarters of both Bari and Filmauro, the company associated with the De Laurentiis family. Aurelio De Laurentiis, along with his son Luigi, who serves as the sole director of the Serie C team, are reportedly subjects of this investigation.

Additionally, prosecutors have initiated proceedings for the judicial liquidation of Bari due to its insolvency. The investigation was triggered by a comprehensive review of the club's financial statements, accompanying notes, and management reports.

Investigators have highlighted that Bari has experienced consistent losses, estimated to be around €30 million between 2019 and 2025. This period is also marked by a significant capital deficit and substantial debt, with no apparent credible plan for financial restructuring.

The financial difficulties of Bari are believed to have been exacerbated by a series of questionable transactions, notably the transfer of player Elia Caprile. Caprile, currently playing for Cagliari, initially joined Bari from Leeds United in 2022, a deal that included a sell-on clause for Leeds.

However, when Caprile later transferred to Napoli, the agreement allegedly omitted any bonus for Bari on future capital gains. By forfeiting rights to any future capital gains, Bari is accused of effectively transferring the player's entire future economic value to Napoli, thus worsening its own financial predicament.

Caprile made limited appearances for Napoli over two seasons before a loan spell at Empoli. He then moved to Cagliari, initially on loan in January 2025, and later on a permanent transfer for €8 million last summer.

Searches related to Caprile's transfers were also carried out involving former Bari director Ciro Polito, ex-Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli (now with Atalanta), Mauro Meluso (Napoli's sporting director in 2023-24), and Caprile’s agent Graziano Battistini. However, these individuals are not reportedly under investigation.

The request for Bari's judicial liquidation stems from a technical analysis of the club’s finances from 2019 to 2025. Prosecutors contend that SSC Bari suffers from a "serious economic and financial imbalance capable of jeopardising business continuity," as reported by Gazzetta.

Investigators suggest that the club's continued operation is only possible due to substantial financial backing from its sole shareholder, Filmauro. This support has come in the form of capital injections, debt forgiveness, and the revaluation of the club's trademark.

On the sporting front, Bari was relegated from Serie B to Serie C during the 2025-26 season.