Former Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis is reportedly set to receive an official presidential pardon from United States leader Donald Trump, following his conviction for insider trading.
The Insider Trading Case and Sentence
The 88-year-old British billionaire avoided a prison sentence in 2024 after a US judge considered pleas for leniency from both prosecutors and his own legal team. These appeals were based primarily on Lewis's frail health and his decision to plead guilty in January of that year.
Instead of incarceration, Lewis was ordered to pay a substantial financial penalty of £4 million. The federal crimes to which he admitted guilt could have carried a prison sentence of up to two years under US guidelines.
Understanding the Presidential Pardon
A presidential pardon in the United States is a formal act of clemency that legally forgives a person for a federal crime. This executive power can halt any further punishment and is also capable of restoring an individual's civil rights.
President Trump has issued several such pardons since returning to the White House after his election victory over Joe Biden. The former Tottenham chief is now poised to become the latest high-profile recipient of this presidential power.
Lewis's Departure from Tottenham
Lewis handed over ownership of Tottenham Hotspur to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, prior to his legal proceedings. The Lewis family subsequently took full control of the North London club this year following the departure of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy.
Despite the impending pardon, it has been confirmed that Lewis will not return to an active role at Tottenham Hotspur and will remain in retirement. The club will, however, continue to operate under the Lewis family name and oversight.
This remains a developing news story, and further updates are expected as the situation progresses.
