Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis, owners of both Napoli and Bari, are under investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office in Bari concerning allegations of fraudulent bankruptcy, false accounting, and corporate crimes. The news was released via official channels from both clubs on July 7th, 2026.
The investigation centers around several points, including the transfer of goalkeeper Elia Caprile from Bari to Napoli. According to the Prosecutor’s office, Bari did not secure a percentage of any future resale of the player during the deal. A statement released by SSC Bari and SSC Napoli expressed the De Laurentiis family’s “astonishment” at the allegations, stating they learned of the search and seizure decree “with astonishment”.
The clubs maintain that the value of Caprile was independently assessed by a qualified, third-party expert prior to the transfer, a consultant previously used by the judicial authority and well-regarded within the football industry. They also expressed surprise at the Prosecutor’s request for the judicial liquidation of SSC Bari, arguing the club consistently meets its financial obligations and covers operating losses – which they characterize as normal within the football sector – through direct investment from the ownership.
The De Laurentiis family has firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting their confidence that their position will be quickly clarified by the judicial authorities. They have requested the swift dismissal of the proceedings, citing their consistent operation within the bounds of the law, accounting principles, and football federation regulations. The family stated they are confident they have always operated with full and scrupulous respect for the law.
Caprile joined Napoli from Bari in a permanent transfer, though details of the fee were not disclosed in the initial reports. The transfer occurred as Bari sought to restructure and Napoli aimed to strengthen their goalkeeping options. This investigation could have significant ramifications for both clubs, potentially impacting their financial stability and future transfer activities. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether the transfer of Caprile was conducted legally and ethically.
