Rome prosecutors are examining an alleged attempt to influence Lazio’s share price through false reports concerning the club’s ownership, the financial position of companies linked to Claudio Lotito and even an alleged plan to seek relegation. The case has brought searches involving Banca del Fucino chairman Mauro Masi, chief executive Francesco Maiolini and Luigi Bisignani, adding a legal dimension to a season in which Lazio’s corporate stability remains under scrutiny.
Lazio share-price investigation centres on alleged false reports
The Rome Anti-Mafia Directorate is investigating a suspected market-manipulation scheme which prosecutors believe may have operated from June 2024 until the present day. The allegation is that information was circulated with the aim of affecting the market value of Lazio shares and placing pressure on Lotito to surrender control of the club.
Investigators contend that Masi, Maiolini and Bisignani acted together with other unidentified individuals in spreading reports considered untrue. The material under examination is said to have appeared on social media, the online publication Millenovecento and in articles carried by Il Tempo.
Among the claims being investigated were reports that a 67% stake in Lazio was close to being sold; assertions that companies connected to Lotito were in a state of insolvency; and an alleged intention to arrange the team’s voluntary relegation in order to receive the €35 million parachute payment.
Carabinieri from the investigative unit carried out a series of searches as part of the inquiry.
Masi rejects accusations and announces legal action
Masi said he was “astonished” by the allegations arising from Lotito’s complaint, describing them as wholly false. He said his only fault was being a Lazio supporter, like many people in Rome and elsewhere in Italy.
The Banca del Fucino chairman said he had complete confidence in the judiciary and had instructed his lawyer to file a complaint for calumny.
The investigation remains at the allegation stage, with prosecutors assessing whether the alleged circulation of false news amounted to an effort to alter Lazio’s market price and destabilise the club’s ownership position.
Banca del Fucino says it is not under investigation
Banca del Fucino stated that the bank itself is neither under investigation nor subject to any measure. It expressed full confidence in Masi and Maiolini, saying the ongoing checks would establish the propriety of their conduct.
The bank also said it had never funded, either directly or indirectly, any initiative, campaign or activity linked to the matters under investigation, nor anything detrimental to Lazio, its shareholders or its leadership.
It added that it holds no Lazio shares, has never received a mandate to purchase the club or any stake in it, and has never acted as an adviser for parties interested in acquiring Lazio.
SEO Title: Lazio shares investigation: Masi denies allegations in Lotito complaint
SEO Description: Rome prosecutors investigate alleged market manipulation involving Lazio shares, while Banca del Fucino chairman Mauro Masi rejects the claims and announces legal action.
