Juventus Walks a Fine Line: UEFA Targets FFP Breaches in Fresh Financial Fair Play Scrutiny

Juventus faces UEFA scrutiny over Financial Fair Play

Juventus, the Italian giant, is once again under investigation by UEFA for possible violations of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, a saga that echoes the sanctions that briefly sidelined them from European competition in 2023-24. The notice, issued on September 18, signals a preliminary inquiry into potential breaches of the three-year revenue cap for 2022-2023 through 2024-2025, a framework designed to keep clubs financially sustainable in European football.

A final decision is anticipated in spring 2026 and could bring a financial penalty, likely modest, alongside possible sporting restrictions such as limits on registering players for European tournaments. In shareholder documents prepared for the November 7 general meeting, Juventus reiterated its compliance with the cost cap on wages and transfers, and it expects to stay within that standard through 2025. Under FFP rules, a club’s cumulative deficit over three years must not exceed 60 million euros, rising to 90 million for clubs in stronger financial health.

Juventus posted a loss of 58.1 million euros in the 2024-2025 season, a notable improvement from the 199.2 million euro deficit the year before. The club, owned by the Agnelli family through Exor, was previously barred from European competition for the 2023-24 season due to FFP breaches. At present, Juventus sit fifth in Serie A with 12 points after six rounds, three points behind Napoli and Roma, as they prepare for a clash with Como in the upcoming matchday.

For the winter window, reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Juventus are weighing defensive reinforcements, with Milan Skriniar and Kim Min-jae cited as potential targets if needed. Kim Min-jae, who has seen limited minutes at Bayern Munich, could seek a mid-season move, though his non-EU status complicates signings for Italian clubs. Skriniar’s appeal remains high after his summer move to Fenerbahce briefly reignited his profile, while Mourinho’s past support of the Slovak defender adds a layer of intrigue to any potential departure.

Following four consecutive draws, coach Igor Tudor began work aimed at rebooting the side, balancing Serie A duties with Champions League commitments. He is reportedly weighing tactical tweaks, including a possible shift to a 3-4-2-1 system that would feature Keinan Yildiz and Francesco Conceicao behind the striker, while keeping an eye on injuries and form. Despite remaining unbeaten this season, Juventus still struggle for goals, and their recent Milan clash showcased a late shift to a 3-5-2 setup in parts of the game.

Jonathan David started the Champions League encounter with Borussia Dortmund alongside a progressing attacking line, but the Canadian striker often operated as an attacking midfielder rather than the lone forward, a role adjustment that has not yet radically changed the team’s balance. The upcoming test against Como will be an early gauge of Tudor’s evolving plan and the players’ adaptation to it.

Punchline time: If Juventus’ accounting were a goalkeeper, it would save every shot by not taking one at all. Punchline two: in football as in finance, the numbers don’t lie—except when they decide to take a holiday in the accounting department.