US President Donald Trump unexpectedly pardoned billionaire former Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis on Thursday, a White House official said.
The official added that the 88-year-old British mogul requested the pardon to receive medical treatment and visit his grandchildren in the United States.
The news surprised many fans of the Premier League, as Lewis has lived outside the US since facing legal charges.
Lewis pleaded guilty in 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud.
However, he avoided prison and now resides in the Bahamas.
The White House official explained, “In facing the white-collar crime charges, Lewis admitted guilt, did not fight US extradition in the case, and paid a $5 million fine.”
In addition, his pardon allows him to travel freely to the US without legal restriction, something that many observers considered unexpected.
Lewis, whose family trust holds a majority stake in Tottenham Hotspur, is well known as a billionaire investor.
According to Forbes, his fortune now stands at $6.8 billion.
Moreover, he built his reputation as a currency speculator in the 1980s and early 1990s, earning recognition for his strategic investments.
In 2001, his holding company, ENIC, bought Tottenham from Alan Sugar for $22 million, marking a major step in British football ownership.
He officially transferred control of the club in 2022, handing his stake to a family trust.
Meanwhile, fans continue to debate his influence on Tottenham’s decisions and legacy.
The gesture has reignited discussions about presidential pardons for high-profile figures, especially those involved in financial crimes.
Visiting grandchildren and receiving necessary medical care were cited as key reasons behind the pardon.
Therefore, the pardon serves as both a legal relief and a personal opportunity for Lewis, according to the White House official.
