Sunderland co-owner Juan Sartori denies wrongdoing in 'multi-million' high court battle - report

Sunderland co-owner Juan Sartori is facing allegations of fraud, negligence and conspiracy in a "multi-million-pound High Court" battle, according to the Sun on Sunday

The newspaper reported in its print edition (13 October, pg55) that court documents show Sartori - who owns 36 per cent of the Black Cats - is defending a claim brought by former employers at his investment company Union Group Holdings.

It reported that Emanuele Ferrero Ventimiglia and Oliver Bouthillier de Beaumont accuse Sartori of mispresenting the value of shares in a power plant in Peru, Andean Power Generation, which is part-owned by the Uruguayan's Union Energy Group.

The Sun said the pair invested £280,000 and were sold back for £170,000 four years later having been told the investment would bring a return of "at least 12 cent". Sartori is accused of making dishonest claims about the safety and profitability of the investment.

Sartori has denied all the allegations against him, the Sun said.

What is the role of Juan Sartori at Sunderland?

Saroti has been involved at Sunderland since 2018 and is currently a non-executive director having reportedly acquired his stake in the club for just £1.

However, his actual involvement seems to be have been minimal since day one.

In theory, Sartori's presence was supposed to bring international awareness to Sunderland and increase sponsorship opportunities, however this is largely yet to be seen.

Another initiative outlined by Sartori, as reported by Roker Report, was to get the Black Cats a Uruguayan feeder club but this has yet to materialise.

Sunderland have started the season well and while still at an early stage in the season, promotion back to the Premier League looks to be on the cards and if the club were to achieve that, it is vital that all involved are aligned in their vision and it is still yet to be seen as to whether Sartori fits that criteria.

With things going so well on the pitch, what the club could do with avoiding is any off-field issues acting as a distraction to what Regis Le Bris and his side are attempting to achieve this season.

In other Sunderland news, Aaron Connolly has opened up about the struggles he has faced off the pitch.

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