While the Friedkin’s takeover at Everton has largely been seen as a positive thing, the current view of them in Italy, where they own AS Roma, is less than good.
And according to La Repubblica, relayed by Roma Forever, they could be set for another blow as the tax authorities are investigating the group.
The newspaper reports that the Friedkin family are dealing with an investigation conducted by the Guardia di Finanza.
According to them the Fiamme Gialle have examined the clubs financial statements from 2016 to 2021 and raised an ‘administrative dispute’ over an “unfaithful declaration” to Dan and Ryan Friedkin.
The two Americans, who own Roma and are in the process of buying Everton, have already refuted the idea.
The Guardia di Finanza is specifically focused on two transfers, particularly those involving Lorenzo Pellegrini and Leonardo Spinazzola but also the depreciation of a list of footballers on the books.
It all centres around valuations, with the Friedkin group’s accounts generating a ‘nest egg of €80m’ which the company then paid €19m tax on. Italian authorities seemingly think more should have been paid.
At the moment the accusations will have to be proven and there’s no immediate risk to Roma, or indeed Everton.
However, it cannot be ruled that if the accusations are proven to be valid, the owners could be facing a fine ranging from €17m to €34m.
The case has already been passed on to the Revenue Agency who will have to verify the allegations against the current Roma owners and future Everton owners.
In the worst-case scenario, they will be fined and could even settle the matter and get a discount on that fine, but that depends on the Friedkins who could allow proceedings to continue and leave it to the Tax Court of Justice.
