Referee Investigation Widens; Butti Called as Witness Following De Rossi's 2024 Criticism

AS Roma's newly appointed sporting director Tony D'Amico has received a waiver to begin work immediately, rather than waiting for his official July 1 start date. This gives him 11 days to manage a series of urgent transfer tasks before the club's June 30 deadline for financial compliance under the Settlement Agreement. Roma must generate close to €50 million in player sales by that date. Matías Soulé is the primary focus, with Borussia Dortmund interested but reportedly viewing the €40 million valuation as steep. Confirmed departures include midfielder Baldanzi's move to Genoa and Faticanti's transfer to Juventus. Real Betis is pursuing striker Artem Dovbyk, though Roma is not offering discounts. Paulo Dybala's future remains at Roma despite reported contact between his agents and Juventus, with no formal offer from the Bianconeri. Additionally, Lille's midfield target Bouaddi could depart if Roma pursues Kôné as a replacement. Revenue sources include €15–20 million from the Lega-IMG television rights agreement and potential compensation from Generali regarding Matteo Bove. The club continues stadium development plans as part of its broader financial strategy.

Five AS Roma players will feature for their respective nations during Saturday's second round of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Midfielder Manu Koné remains the sole Roma player absent from Saturday's fixtures, as France is not scheduled until Monday 22 June against Iraq. Koné came off the bench in France's opening 3–1 victory over Senegal. The Roma contingent's Saturday schedule opens at midnight with Scotland versus Morocco at Foxborough, featuring Morocco's El Aynaoui and Bouaddi — both expected to start. Morocco drew 1–1 with Brazil in their opener, while Scotland won 1–0 against Haiti. Brazil, without Wesley, faces Haiti at 2:30 a.m. Defender Ndicka watched from the bench in Côte d'Ivoire's opening match and is expected to feature against Germany at Toronto Stadium. Türkiye's Çelik, who started their surprise 2–0 loss to Australia, plays Paraguay at 5 a.m. after Paraguay suffered a 4–1 defeat to the USA. Forward Donyell Malen headlines Roma's evening fixtures alongside Ndicka. Malen, who has not yet scored for the Netherlands, will compete for a starting spot against Sweden in Houston, though Depay is also in contention. The Netherlands drew 2–2 with Japan in their opening match.

Financial details for AS Roma's planned new stadium in the Pietralata district have been released following a technical and economic feasibility study. The overall investment is estimated at €1.048 billion before VAT, with total costs including VAT and financing charges reaching €1.377 billion. The project is being funded entirely through private sources, with no concession fees payable to the municipality. Construction is scheduled to run from January 2027 to December 2030, with the stadium operational from 2031 onwards, under a 90-year concession running until 2116. The financing structure comprises a €600 million construction loan at 6.42% annual interest during the build phase, which will be refinanced as a €600 million Project Bond at 5.25% annual interest for the 2031–2050 period. Additional funding includes a €205.3 million VAT facility and €572.1 million in equity. Annual operating costs in 2031 are projected at €30.7 million, growing with inflation at 1.9% annually. The Friedkin Group's objective is for the stadium to generate revenue throughout the year, not only on match days, following the model of major international stadiums. Projected revenues for 2031 total €154 million annually, with ticket sales (€47.8 million) and premium seating (€71.6 million) as primary sources. Additional revenue streams include naming rights, sponsorship, food and beverage, museum and stadium tours, parking, and merchandise. Revenue is expected to exceed €200 million annually by 2046.