Joe Lewis, who handed ownership of Tottenham to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was fined £4million after pleading guilty to insider trading - but he will now be pardoned
Former Tottenham Hotspur owner, Joe Lewis, is poised to receive an official pardon from US President Donald Trump. Lewis, who transferred ownership of Spurs to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was slapped with a £4million fine after admitting to insider trading – but 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 took into account pleas for leniency from both the prosecutor and the 88-year-old's legal team, due to his frail health and guilty plea in January.
The US president has been handing out a series of pardons since reclaiming the White House after succeeding Joe Biden, and the former boss of the Premier League club is tipped to be the next recipient, as reported by The Telegraph.
In the US, a pardon 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 warrant a sentence of up to two years in prison, but Lewis won't be seeing the inside of a cell.
The announcement of Lewis' pardon is expected to be made public by the White House today and the British billionaire expressed: "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 under the Lewis name whilst the previous owner remains in retirement.
Tottenham's leadership now comprises Joe's daughter Vivienne, son Charles and Vivienne's husband Nick Beucher.
Eric Hinson was appointed as a non-executive director last month, working alongside non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
Levy's tenure as chairman in north London concluded in September after almost 25 years at the helm.
Reports at the time suggested his exit would enable the club to adopt a more conventional organisational structure, rather than one dominated by a single individual.
In a statement confirming his departure, 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."