Joseph Portelli has completed the acquisition of Italian football club Ars et Labor Ferrara, operating through his vehicle JP Football Holdings Ltd. The deal transfers ownership of the Serie B side, which rebranded from its historic name SPAL last year, to the Maltese investor.
The transaction was confirmed in a statement published on Thursday afternoon.
While specific financial terms were not disclosed, the acquisition marks another instance of foreign capital entering the Italian football market, particularly in the second tier where clubs often face financial restructuring pressures.
Portelli's entry comes as the Italian football ecosystem undergoes significant governance changes.
Giovanni Malago was recently elected president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), securing a decisive majority in a contest focused on revitalizing the country's struggling football infrastructure.
The new FIGC leadership has prioritized financial stability and transparency, a context that may influence how new ownership groups like JP Football Holdings operate within the league system.