In a legal victory for Cristiano Ronaldo, Serie A powerhouse Juventus has been directed to reimburse the Portuguese superstar €19.5 million in unpaid wages. The ruling comes as a result of a case pursued by Ronaldo’s legal team, comprising John Shehata, Emanuele Guastalla, and Fabio Iudica.
Deferred payments and legal battle
The dispute revolves around monthly payments that Juventus deferred during the COVID-19 lockdown, a strategy colloquially termed as “salary maneuvers.” Despite the resumption of regular operations, the club allegedly failed to honor the deferred wages owed to Ronaldo, prompting legal action.
Reports suggest that Juventus had not allocated funds in anticipation of this legal obligation, apparently banking on a favorable outcome in the case. However, Ronaldo’s legal representatives successfully argued for the repayment of the owed wages, highlighting the club’s contractual obligations.
Ramifications for Juventus and players
The outcome of this legal battle not only necessitates a substantial financial payout from Juventus but also underscores potential ramifications for other players affected by similar issues. Previously, Argentine forward Paulo Dybala had initiated legal proceedings against the club for non-payment, indicating a broader concern within the Juventus roster.
