Trump Set to Grant Presidential Pardon to Ex-Premier League Owner in Stunning Move
Former Tottenham Hotspur proprietor Joe Lewis is expected to receive a presidential pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump following his insider trading conviction in New York last year.
Lewis faced charges including two counts of securities fraud and one conspiracy count related to securities fraud, entering guilty pleas to these violations and receiving a $5 million penalty. The 88-year-old businessman escaped imprisonment but received a three-year probationary period.
Nevertheless, Lewis is now among the latest recipients of presidential clemency granted by Trump following his January return to office. The Athletic has reported that his advanced age and the consideration that he did not personally benefit from the offenses he admitted to are contributing factors in the pardon decision.
This development means Lewis, who withdrew from any Spurs involvement in 2022 when transferring ownership to the Lewis Family Trust, can now return to the United States, where much of his family resides in Florida.
However, the billionaire, whose wealth was assessed at £5.8 billion ($7.6 billion) in the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List—ranking as Britain's 33rd wealthiest individual—has essentially retired and will not resume football activities. Therefore, the pardon will have no impact on Tottenham-related matters.
"I am delighted that this chapter is now closed, and I can embrace retirement while watching my family and extended relatives continue developing our enterprises based on the excellence and quality standards that have become our signature," Lewis stated.
Widely circulated remarks from an unnamed individual described as a "source close to the Lewis family" noted: "Joe and the Lewis family express profound gratitude for this pardon and wish to acknowledge President Trump for this decision.
"Throughout his extensive business journey, Joe has demonstrated visionary leadership, establishing enterprises worldwide that multiple family generations are now advancing. The Joe Lewis narrative encompasses far more than this singular incident."
Lewis's ENIC Group secured majority control of Tottenham from Alan Sugar in 2001 and subsequently purchased additional shares alongside Daniel Levy in 2003, and once more in 2007. Currently, ENIC maintains an 86.58% ownership in Spurs, while Levy holds nearly 30% of ENIC.
Levy recently resigned from his position as the club's long-standing chairman after approximately 25 years in the role.
Lewis's daughter, son and grandson-in-law represent the family members most actively engaged in Spurs operations, with Peter Charrington recently appointed as non-executive chairman. Former Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham has also been recruited as chief executive.