Former Spurs owner Joe Lewis avoided jail in 2024 but was fined £4million after pleading guilty to insider trading, and now US President Donald Trump is set to hand him an official pardon
Former Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis is set to receive an official pardon from United States President Donald Trump. Lewis, who handed ownership of Spurs to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was fined £4million after pleading guilty to insider trading – but it has been said that he will not return to the north London club.
Lewis avoided jail in 2024 after a judge in the States heard pleas for leniency from the prosecutor and the 88-year-old's attorneys due to his frail health and guilty plea in January.
The US president has issued a number of pardons since returning to the White House after succeeding Joe Biden, and the former chief of the Premier League club is set to be the latest to receive one, according to The Telegraph.
A pardon in the US is a presidential act that legally forgives a federal crime, which can end further punishment and restore civil rights. The crimes, according to federal guidelines, can carry up a sentence up to two years in prison, but Lewis will not spent time behind bars.
Lewis' pardon is due to be published by the White House today and the British billionaire 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 took full control of Tottenham this year following the departure of Daniel Levy, and the club will continue to run within the Lewis name, but the former owner will remain retired.
The Tottenham hierarchy now consists of Joe's daughter Vivienne, son Charles and Vivienne's husband Nick Beucher. Eric Hinson joined the club as a non-executive director last month, he will now work alongside non-executive chairman Peter Charrington is alongside chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
In September, Levy's spell as chairman in north London came to an end after nearly 25 years.
It was reported at the time that his departure would see the club move towards a more orthodox structure, as opposed to one centred around a single figure.
Confirming his departure in a statement, former chairman Levy said: "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."