Roma announced on Monday the dismissal of CEO Pietro Berardi after prosecutors seized documents at the club, which competes in Italy's Serie A, as part of an investigation into alleged financial misconduct related to transfer deals. The club stated in a release that it has "ended all relationships" with Berardi "immediately," without disclosing the reasons.
Roma denied any wrongdoing and mentioned that it is "cooperating with the relevant authorities and hopes to clarify the matter fully as soon as possible." A source from the club told Reuters that the decision "is not related" to the prosecutors' investigations. The source added: "There is a difference in vision regarding the future of the club between President Dan Friedkin and Berardi."
Roma reiterated its denial of any misconduct and emphasized its cooperation with authorities. On April 5, prosecutors seized documents in Rome and at the city rival club Lazio, as well as at Salernitana, during raids concerning aspects of player transfer deals at all three clubs, including the methods used to determine deal prices. Juventus had previously incurred a 15-point penalty this season in another case related to player transfers.
