The National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) intensified its investigation this Tuesday morning by carrying out a search of the LFP (Professional Football League). This operation is part of an investigation opened following a complaint filed by the anti-corruption association “AC!! “. The investigation concerns the conditions of the agreement concluded between the LFP and the CVC investment fund, which acquired 13% of the capital of the League in exchange for a financial contribution of 1.5 billion euros.
Opened in July 2024, the investigation targets several serious offenses: embezzlement of public funds, corruption active et passiveet illegal taking of interest. According to the Team, the judicial authorities entrusted this case to the Paris research section of the gendarmeriewho is currently carrying out searches at various key locations, including the home of Vincent Labrunethe president of the LFP, in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and the offices of the CVC fund.
The envelope of 37.5 million euros at the heart of the affair
One of the main sticking points of the investigation concerns the management of a envelope of 37.5 million euros allocated to negotiations. This sum was to reward banks, lawyers, and certain leaders of the LFP. 12 million euros were allocated to the banks which advised the League, while 5 million euros were allocated to lawyers' fees. Furthermore, Vincent Labrune and other executives received a significant portion of bonuses, totaling 8.5 million euros. Investigators are seeking to understand the exact circumstances of this distribution and the bonus decision.
The Senate report on investment funds in French football had already pointed out several gray areas, in particular concerning the salary increase of Vincent Labrune. Currently, Christophe Ingrainthe lawyer for the LFP, refuses to comment on this matter.
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