A new twist has emerged in the legal dispute between Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus over unpaid wages from the Covid-19 period. IlBianconero report that the Turin Labour Court has ruled in favour of the Portuguese star, confirming the previous arbitration award that compelled Juventus to settle the outstanding payments.
The Bianconeri had sought to overturn the arbitration ruling, which required them to pay Ronaldo wages from the pandemic period. However, the court sided with the player, meaning Juventus will not recover the nearly €9.8 million already paid, plus interest.
In addition, Juventus have been ordered to cover legal costs amounting to €80,000 related to the appeal, further ending the club’s hopes of reclaiming the funds.
Background to the Dispute
The case dates back to the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when Juventus reached agreements with several players regarding the deferral and restructuring of salary payments. During arbitration, experts Gianroberto Villa, Roberto Sacchi and Leandro Cantamessa determined that Juventus owed Ronaldo gross — rather than net — salary payments for certain months that were never received due to the club’s wage manoeuvre during that period.
Decision Confirmed
The €9.7 million due to Ronaldo had already been paid in April 2024 and accounted for in the 2023/24 financial statements. Nevertheless, Juventus challenged the outcome, demanding reimbursement of the sum. The Turin court’s latest ruling now confirms that the decision stands, closing this chapter in the long-running Ronaldo–Juventus financial saga.
