United States President, Donald Trump, has granted a pardon to billionaire and former Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis, a White House official confirmed on Thursday.
The official explained that the 88-year-old British businessman requested the pardon so he could access medical treatment and spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the United States.
Lewis, whose family trust holds a majority stake in the Premier League club, pleaded guilty in 2024 to a single count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He avoided prison and currently resides in the Bahamas.
“In facing the white-collar crime charges, Lewis admitted guilt, did not fight US extradition in the case, and paid a $5 million fine,” the White House official added.
According to Forbes, Lewis’ net worth as of Thursday is $6.8 billion. He originally made his fortune as a currency speculator during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Through his holding company ENIC, Lewis acquired a controlling interest in Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 from then-owner Alan Sugar for $22 million.
In 2022, he formally handed control of the club to a family trust.
