Donald Trump to pardon former Tottenham owner as return stance emerges | Football | Sport
Joe Lewis, the former Tottenham owner, is poised to receive an official presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Lewis, who transferred ownership of Spurs to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was previously slapped with a £4million fine after admitting to insider trading. However, it’s understood he won’t be making a return to the north London club.
Lewis managed to dodge prison in 2024 when a judge in the States heard pleas for leniency from both the prosecutor and the 88-year-old’s legal team, due to his fragile health and guilty plea earlier in January. Trump has been handing out a series of pardons since reclaiming the White House and Tottenham‘s former head honcho is tipped to be the next recipient, as reported by The Telegraph.
A pardon in the US is a presidential act that legally absolves a federal crime, which can halt further punishment and restore civil rights.
According to federal guidelines, the crimes can carry a sentence of up to two years in prison, but Lewis will not face time behind bars.
The announcement of Lewis’ pardon is expected to be released by the White House today and the British billionaire expressed his delight in a statement.
He said: “I am pleased all of this is now behind me, and I can enjoy retirement and watch as my family and extended family continue to build our businesses based on the quality and pursuit of excellence that has become our trademark.”
The Lewis family assumed complete ownership of Tottenham this year following Daniel Levy’s exit, with the club continuing to operate under the Lewis banner whilst the previous owner remains in retirement.
Spurs’ leadership structure now features Joe’s daughter Vivienne, his son Charles, and Vivienne’s spouse Nick Beucher.
Eric Hinson became a non-executive director last month and will collaborate with non-executive chairman Peter Charrington alongside chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
Levy’s tenure as chairman in north London concluded in September after almost 25 years at the helm.
Reports suggested his exit would usher in a more conventional organisational framework, moving away from a structure dominated by a single individual.
In a statement confirming his departure, Levy declared: “I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees.
“We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.
“I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.
“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”
