Prominent Sports Figures Maintained Ties with Jeffrey Epstein Post-Conviction, Leaked Files Reveal

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

Prominent Sports Figures Maintained Ties with Jeffrey Epstein Post-Conviction, Leaked Files Reveal

A fresh wave of documents related to the notorious financier Jeffrey Epstein has unveiled concerning connections between prominent figures in the world of international sports and the convicted sex offender, maintained long after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The latest release, comprising millions of new files, includes emails and text messages that detail ongoing communication and even proposed business dealings between Epstein and executives from Formula 1, football, and the NFL. These revelations have ignited controversy and led to calls for further investigation into the conduct of individuals who, despite Epstein's conviction, continued to engage with him.

The sheer volume of newly accessible information paints a complex picture of Epstein's network, extending into the upper echelons of the sports industry. While the documents do not inherently imply wrongdoing on the part of those named, they raise significant questions about judgment and the nature of these relationships. Notably, several individuals who had previously claimed to have severed ties with Epstein after his conviction have now been shown to have maintained contact, according to the newly surfaced communications.

Among the most prominent names emerging from the files is Jean Todt, the former president of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), the global motorsport governing body, and a legendary team boss for Ferrari during its dominant early 2000s era. Emails indicate that Todt visited Epstein at his New York residence in 2017, years after Epstein's conviction. One email from Epstein to Todt in May 2017 expresses regret for a brief encounter, mentioning that a mutual acquaintance, identified as Norwegian diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen, had not provided advance notice. Rod-Larsen himself appears in the files, having sent a text message to Epstein suggesting it would be beneficial for Epstein to meet Todt, providing his contact information and encouraging him to arrange a meeting.

Todt's reply to Epstein, also revealed in the documents, stated: "It was nice to get to know you through our common friend Terje. Let me know if you come to Paris or Geneva. I will be back in New York in mid-July." The following day, Epstein forwarded this exchange to Eduardo Teodorani, now chairman and vice-president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK, with the comment: "i had jean todt to my house ? odd guy." Teodorani's response was simply: "Very. But why?" The documents do not provide further clarification on this interaction. Todt's name had previously been introduced to Epstein in 2013 by French diplomat Olivier Colom, who emailed Epstein stating, "Going out at Jean Todt tonight. Do you know him? I introduced Terje to him lately. Good man." The BBC has reportedly contacted Todt, who currently serves as the UN's special envoy for road safety, for comment on these revelations.

Flavio Briatore, a well-known figure in Formula 1 and currently serving as executive advisor and de-facto team principal for the Alpine F1 team, also appears to have maintained contact with Epstein. An anonymized email from 2010 indicates that Briatore wished to speak with Epstein and could be reached at his London office. Later that year, Epstein referred to Briatore as "my Italian friend" in an email chain discussing the potential acquisition of an aircraft by Mohamed Al Fayed, the late businessman who has faced serious accusations of sexual assault. Briatore was also mentioned in a conversation between Epstein and Lord Mandelson, a former UK Business Secretary and diplomat, concerning a property in London's Chelsea district that Briatore was reportedly looking to sell. Briatore's representatives have been approached by BBC Sport for comment.

The files also implicate Josh Harris, a significant investor in Crystal Palace football club and founder of Apollo Global Management, which owns stakes in several major sports franchises including the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), New Jersey Devils (NHL), and the Washington Commanders (NFL). Harris reportedly maintained email and phone contact with Epstein for years after his conviction, including attending a breakfast meeting in 2013. A spokesperson for Harris stated that he "never had an independent relationship with Jeffrey Epstein" and sought to prevent his firm from developing a corporate relationship with Epstein, claiming Harris attempted to avoid meetings and had others handle communications.

Further scrutiny falls upon Todd Boehly, the current co-owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. Emails suggest Epstein met with Boehly twice in 2011, three years after Epstein's conviction. At the time, Boehly was co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and a managing partner at Guggenheim Partners. Neither Boehly nor Chelsea Football Club have issued public statements regarding these emails.

Dermot Desmond, the Irish billionaire owner of Celtic Football Club, is mentioned in emails sent to Epstein in 2010 by Gerald G Barton, a golf resort developer. These messages indicated Desmond's potential willingness to invest millions of dollars in co-funding golf developments with Epstein. Celtic Football Club has been contacted for a response from Desmond.

Steve Tisch, co-owner of the NFL's New York Giants, is also named in the documents. Records show he sent numerous emails to Epstein in the early 2010s. One email from 2013 indicates Epstein attempting to arrange meetings between Tisch and women, with Epstein offering, "I can bring the Russian if you like." In a statement, Tisch acknowledged a "brief association" involving emails about adult women, movies, philanthropy, and investments. He asserted that he never accepted Epstein's invitations, never visited his island, and expressed deep regret for any association. The NFL has stated it is considering a formal investigation into Tisch's conduct, with Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasizing a thorough review of the facts and context.

The files also reveal that Andrew Farkas, a property developer, apologized on behalf of himself and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross in 2016 regarding the condition of Epstein's Palm Beach mansion. A year later, Farkas informed Epstein that Ross would be willing to provide up to $100 million in funding for a project that Epstein was also partly financing. The Miami Dolphins have been approached for comment.

Beyond direct business and social interactions, the documents also shed light on connections with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein's sex-abuse ring. Casey Wasserman, chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games organizing committee and founder of the Wasserman marketing agency, exchanged sexually charged emails with Maxwell in 2003, long before her crimes were exposed. These messages included expressions of affection and requests for specific attire. Wasserman, whose agency represents numerous elite athletes, issued a statement expressing deep regret for the correspondence, emphasizing it occurred over two decades ago and that he never had a relationship with Epstein. David Wassong, an advisor to entrepreneurs, is also mentioned in communications with Maxwell, seeking names of individuals for social engagements in Ireland, to which Maxwell provided the phone number of former F1 driver Eddie Irvine.

The ongoing revelations from the Epstein files continue to send ripples through various influential sectors, particularly the sports world. As more information comes to light, the extent of these connections and the ethical implications for the individuals involved are likely to remain a subject of intense public and official scrutiny.

Ekhbary News Agency