Former Tottenham Hotspur owner, Joe Lewis, is poised to be pardoned by United States President Donald Trump. Lewis, who transferred ownership of Spurs to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was fined £4 million for insider trading. Reports indicate that despite the pardon, he will not resume involvement with the north London club.
In 2024, Lewis managed to avoid imprisonment following a hearing where both the prosecutor and the 88-year-old’s legal team advocated for leniency based on his health condition and early admission of guilt in January.
Since taking office after Joe Biden, President Trump has granted several pardons, with Lewis set to be the most recent recipient, as per The Telegraph.
A presidential pardon in the U.S. is a formal forgiveness of a federal offense, halting any further penalties and reinstating civil privileges. The crimes in question could carry a maximum two-year prison sentence, but Lewis will not serve time behind bars.
The official announcement of Lewis’ pardon by the White House is expected today. In response, the British billionaire expressed relief, stating, “I am glad to put this chapter behind me and focus on retirement, watching my family and extended family advance our businesses with our trademark dedication to quality and excellence.”
Subsequent to Daniel Levy’s departure, the Lewis family has assumed full control of Tottenham this year, managing the club under the Lewis name while Lewis himself remains retired. The current Tottenham leadership comprises Joe’s daughter, Vivienne, his son, Charles, and Vivienne’s spouse, Nick Beucher. Eric Hinson recently joined as a non-executive director and will collaborate with non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
Levy’s 25-year tenure as chairman came to an end in September, signaling a shift towards a more conventional organizational structure for the club.
Upon confirming his departure, Levy expressed pride in the accomplishments achieved alongside the executive team and staff, transforming the club into a global powerhouse and fostering a strong community. He extended gratitude to the fans for their support and vowed to continue backing the club fervently.