Former Gazélec Ajaccio president Olivier Miniconi handed 1-year prison sentence for fraud

Olivier Miniconi, former president of the Corsican football club Gazélec Ajaccio, has been sentenced to one year in prison and ordered to pay €671,940 in damages for “aggravated hidden work” and concealment of bonuses, benefits and travel allowances given to around 70 players. This was reported by L’Équipe.

According to the Urssaf, the French social security contributions collector, the total amount of the fraud is approximately €658,000. Miniconi was the president of the club for 14 years until November 2019.

His two successors, Christophe Ettori and Mathieu Messina, were also found guilty and received prison sentences in March. The prosecutor had denounced “a system of widespread fraud,” stating that the club provided “compensation elements allowing Gazélec to avoid contributions” and players to pay less tax.

The defense argued that the benefits should have been declared as “non-disclosed benefits” and subject to a new assessment rather than criminal proceedings. Miniconi, who was previously convicted of abuse of corporate assets, denied wrongdoing and claimed that he managed the club “in good faith.” Gazélec Ajaccio was placed in judicial liquidation at the end of January, following their relegation to National 3 (5th tier).

GFFN | George Boxall