The Rome Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating a concerted attempt to circulate misleading information about Lazio, drive down its stock market valuation, and put pressure on president Claudio Lotito to sell the club. Luigi Bisignani, a journalist, lobbyist, and longstanding Italian power broker, is among those being investigated. His name emerged in a number of contentious incidents throughout the First and Second Republics, the two periods of Italian politics preceding and following the main political party crisis of the 1990s. Investigations into corruption, illicit financing, bribes, and networks of influence between politicians and significant commercial interests have all played a role in his career. He was also involved in the 2011 inquiry into the so-called P4, which revealed an informal network of ties, claimed dossiers, and institutional influence. Bisignani has consistently denied the most severe claims. In the current case, he is being probed alongside Mauro Masi, president of Banca del Fucino, and CEO Francesco Maiolini for alleged market manipulation. According to the Rome District Anti-Mafia Directorate, from June 2024, the three men, together with others, have reportedly participated in the spread of false information about Lazio via social media, the Millenovecento website, and articles in the newspaper Il Tempo. Lazio is listed on the Italian stock exchange, which is a key component of the investigation. For this reason, among the reports under scrutiny are the alleged imminent sale of 67% of the club, financial difficulties at Lotito-linked companies, and even an alleged plan to voluntarily relegate the team from Serie A, Italy's top division, in order to collect approximately €35 million in the so-called "parachute" payment, which is provided to relegated clubs. According to the magistrates, such information could have greatly impacted the share price and created pressure on the president. The probe was also prompted by allegations from Lotito, who described an intimidation and threat campaign that culminated in banners, abusive remarks, social media content, and even a plane displaying the phrase "Lotito, free Lazio".