Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Controversial Figure Giovanni di Stefano Eyes Dundee FC Takeover
What connects Dundee Football Club with notorious individuals like Saddam Hussein, Gary Glitter, and Harold Shipman? The answer, for those familiar with early 2000s football, is Giovanni di Stefano. This flamboyant, self-proclaimed international ‘lawyer’, nicknamed ‘the Devil’s Advocate’ for representing infamous clients, briefly served on the board of Dundee FC in 2003. Now, after a period away from the spotlight, Giovanni di Stefano is back and expressing interest in a potential takeover of Dundee Football Club.
Di Stefano’s Rise and Fall: From ‘Devil’s Advocate’ to Prison
Giovanni di Stefano once commanded significant media attention. Beyond securing surprising legal successes for notorious figures such as landlord Nicholas van Hoogstraten and gangster John ‘Goldfinger’ Palmer, he frequented high-society events, including parties at the Ritz Hotel, and readily provided sensational quotes to journalists.
His controversial statements included describing Serbian warlord Arkan as possessing ‘good morals’ and Osama bin Laden as having ‘very soft skin and a handshake like a girl’s’. He boasted of a personal fortune of £450 million and claimed to represent clients ranging from former Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic and Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe to Moors murderer Ian Brady. Di Stefano asserted that many of these clients became personal friends.
However, Di Stefano’s public profile diminished abruptly in 2013 when he was imprisoned for fraud, deception, and money laundering, adding to a previous conviction for similar offences.
Among his victims was a man who lost an arm in a car accident, from whom Di Stefano misappropriated a £150,000 compensation payment.
Giovanni di Stefano was dubbed The Devil’s Advocate because of his notorious clients
Flashback to 2003 when Di Stefano, then a director at Dundee, lured Fabrizo Ravanelli to Dens Park to play for manager Jim Duffy’s side
A judge characterized Di Stefano not as a lawyer, but as ‘one of nature’s fraudsters… a swindler without scruple or conscience’.
Return to Dundee FC? Di Stefano’s Unfinished Business
After serving a ten-year prison term, Di Stefano is now at liberty. Speaking by phone from Rome, where he was visiting his mother for her 89th birthday, he showed no signs of diminished enthusiasm. Remarkably, his long-standing fascination with Dundee FC remains undiminished. According to Di Stefano, he has “unfinished business” in the City of Discovery.
Twenty-two years have passed since Di Stefano initially arrived in Dundee, presenting himself as a potential savior and promising substantial investment in the struggling club in exchange for a board position. He initially pledged to elevate Dundee into a significant challenger to Rangers and Celtic in the Scottish Premier League, committing to continued spending until they secured the Scottish Cup.
While that initial ambition was not realized, Di Stefano is back, claiming even grander visions for the club.
Ambitious Plans for Club Ownership
‘Dundee FC is back on,’ Di Stefano stated. ‘I’d like to acquire the club outright, 100 percent ownership. My aim is to manage it effectively, bring in new players, and establish a twinning system with European Union clubs, potentially an American team, and a Middle Eastern team. This would create a global network for player recruitment and development. This system functions exceptionally well.’
‘It’s like family; relatives assist with finances if they are in a better position. People may think I’m irrational, but my 30-year track record proves otherwise.’
‘I advocated for our own TV channel at Dundee FC, which was initially rejected, but now every team has one. My previous ideas are now becoming reality.’
Views on Global Affairs and Legal Battles
Before elaborating further on his Dundee FC aspirations, Di Stefano shifted to other topics, including his perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. ‘I also represent the Russian government. I’ve been a friend of Russia for three decades… and I have submitted an application to prosecute Zelensky.’ He also mentioned US President Donald Trump: ‘I’ve also advised President Trump… I maintain neutrality. Representing a criminal or a murderer does not imply endorsement of their actions.’
Regarding a recent trip, he stated, ‘I spent five days in Belgrade, Serbia, advising President [Aleksander Vuèiã].’ He also spoke about corruption within the UK legal system and his prison experiences: ‘They placed me in the most severe prisons, expecting someone to harm me. Instead, I managed the prisons. In one institution, I handled all banking and finances.’
‘I have numerous friends – I managed over 200 cases [while incarcerated], overturning several murder convictions… I receive frequent calls from prison.’
Health and Resilience
Di Stefano revealed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2022 but insisted it would not impede his activities. ‘I remain compos mentis. Parkinson’s is in its early stages and does not significantly affect my mobility. It’s a part of life one must accept.’
‘Michael J. Fox continues working with Parkinson’s… I have many clients. I continue with my work.’
Di Stefano claims to have been an adviser to Donald Trump in the past, as well as the Russians
Di Stefano at the wedding of his friend Zeljko Raznatovic, AKA the Serbian warlord Arkan
In addition to pursuing a £25 million compensation claim against UK authorities related to his imprisonment, he mentioned writing his autobiography and prison diaries, producing a docudrama about his life (aiming for a more accurate portrayal than the 2022 Sky docuseries, ‘Devil’s Advocate: The Mostly True Story of Giovanni Di Stefano’), and representing several high-profile clients, ‘mostly governments’.
Prison and Perspective
Did imprisonment alter him? ‘[It] highlighted governmental incompetence,’ Di Stefano remarked. ‘For ten years, I was isolated from my family. Imagine not holding your loved ones’ hands for a decade.’ He added that he avoids dwelling on the past. ‘I understand my identity. My conscience is clear. I have never defrauded or stolen from anyone. I know I am a qualified lawyer.’ The Law Society disputes this claim.
Barred from the UK, USA, and New Zealand due to his criminal convictions, Di Stefano now considers Monaco his primary residence, citing privacy and tax benefits.
Regarding his financial status, the father-of-five, who once boasted of global property holdings, remained vague, only stating that his credit card is currently functional for grocery purchases.
The Dundee FC Connection: A Son’s Influence
His youngest son, Milan, a student at Gordonstoun, the prestigious boarding school King Charles attended, initially sparked Di Stefano’s interest in Dundee FC (the school later pursued Di Stefano for unpaid fees).
Di Stefano recalled Milan contacting him about Dundee’s financial difficulties, suggesting it as a potential investment. “I immediately engaged and instructed my eldest son to investigate.”
This marked the beginning of a memorable period in Dundee FC history.
The Promise and the Fall at Dens Park
Di Stefano pledged significant investment to secure top players, initially delighting supporters. The Marr brothers, then-owners of Dundee, seeking financial relief for the struggling club, welcomed Di Stefano’s involvement.
Peter Marr commented at the time: ‘His expertise in law, finance, and football is invaluable for managing a football club. Furthermore, his financial capacity operates at a level beyond our current scope.’
This era held immense promise for Dundee fans. In September 2003, they signed Italian star Fabrizio Ravanelli and former Chelsea and Celtic midfielder Craig Burley.
Jim Duffy, Dundee’s manager at the time, recounted checking with the club accountant about affording Ravanelli. The accountant’s negative response led Duffy to the Marr brothers, who assured him Di Stefano would personally finance the signing. Speculation arose about further high-profile acquisitions, including Peter Crouch, Paul Gascoigne, Edgar Davids, Georgi Kinkladze, and James McFadden.
These signings, however, did not materialize.
Italian-born lawyer di Stefano claimed to have become friendly with many of his famous clients
He claims to still have plans to take over Dundee FC in future and transform their fortunes
Honeymoon Period and Financial Collapse
‘He was initially very popular in Dundee,’ Duffy recalled. ‘He possesses a larger-than-life personality and publicly proclaimed his intention to invest heavily in the club.’
‘It was a brief honeymoon. An exciting period for fans. He made grand promises and generated unprecedented media attention for Dundee. Ultimately, it proved unsustainable.’
Two months later, Dundee entered voluntary administration with £23 million in debts. Di Stefano’s promised funds failed to materialize. However, Duffy noted, ‘It wasn’t solely his fault – the club was already in financial disarray.’ Players including Craig Burley and Fabrizio Ravanelli went unpaid. Ravanelli only played six games for the club.
In January 2004, Di Stefano resigned from Dundee at the board’s request.
Dundee may have assumed this marked the end of the saga.
Di Stefano’s Vision for Dundee FC: A Second Chance?
Yet, Di Stefano insists he is precisely what the Dark Blues require now, as they currently struggle near the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. Describing himself as ‘the comeback king of Dundee Football Club,’ Di Stefano stated, ‘My ultimate ambition is to lead them to win the [Scottish Premiership] and join the Super League, to be the Scottish club in the Super League.’
‘I had a vision previously that was prematurely curtailed. I envisioned a shared stadium between Dundee United and Dundee, plans were drafted. It was a fantastic concept featuring a shopping center. There’s a saying about finishing what you start.’
Fan-Driven Team Selection and Super League Dreams
Di Stefano’s 2025 vision for Dundee includes a fan phone-in system where supporters pay £1 to vote for team selection. The highest-voted players in each position would form the starting eleven, with runners-up on the bench. Funds raised would be reinvested in the club.
Duffy remarked that these ideas are familiar. ‘He enjoys public attention. Football is a vehicle for visibility. It’s Europe’s top sport. Club owners and figures associated with football gain significant prominence. This motivates many businesspeople to invest in football.’
Club and Fan Response
Dundee FC declined to comment on Di Stefano’s potential return. Dee4Life, the supporters’ society instrumental in saving the club from liquidation in 2003-2004 and again in 2010, stated, ‘We would prefer to move past this chapter.’
Dundee fans have expressed stronger opinions on social media regarding Di Stefano’s comeback plans.
Reactions on X include: ‘Dear Giovanni, f*** off again,’ ‘A comeback as welcome as a fart in a spacesuit,’ and ‘Remember to bring the Monopoly money.’ Conversely, some recall the Di Stefano era more positively, commenting: ‘Welcome back,’ ‘Do it Gio, right behind you, yes yes & yes again,’ and ‘You’ve been missed… come home.’
The Enigma of Giovanni Di Stefano
Who then is the real Giovanni Di Stefano?
Born to a cobbler in Southern Italy, Di Stefano’s family emigrated to the UK when he was six, settling in a council house in Irchester, Northamptonshire. He recounts experiencing racism alongside other Italian immigrants.
Craig Burley, far right, was another ambitious Dundee signing under Di Stefano’s watch
Di Stefano watches Dundee during a UEFA Cup first-round clash with Perugia in 2003
Many associates distanced themselves from di Stefano, above, when his crimes came to light
From a young age, Di Stefano resolved to work diligently, amass wealth, and make a significant impact. To this extent, he has been successful.
Subsequent events are often a blend of fact and fabrication.
At school, he falsely claimed to be dating rock star Suzi Quatro. Later claims include being a British spy (false), orchestrating a takeover bid for MGM Studios (false), acquiring a Serbian second division football club with Arkan (true), owning an Italian football team (true), and founding the Radical Party of Great Britain (true).
A Complex Character
Asked about taking Di Stefano seriously, a former friend, preferring anonymity, commented, ‘It’s hard to discern reality with Giovanni. He’s intelligent and capable, and there’s often a kernel of truth in his statements, but not consistently. He’s like a sports car – fast and enjoyable but prone to crashing.’
Many associates distanced themselves when his crimes emerged. Jerome Lynch K.C., a barrister who worked with Di Stefano on several cases, is among those who remained supportive. Lynch admires Di Stefano’s willingness to challenge convention.
‘He questions the system,’ Lynch stated. ‘I admire individuals who challenge the status quo. He’s made errors but isn’t inherently bad. He is vilified for daring to challenge established norms.’
Lynch added, ‘He’s innovative, though his ideas can range from eccentric to insightful. He’s somewhat like Elon Musk.’
Aside from a brief outburst when his legal qualifications were questioned, Di Stefano was amiable. He feels unfairly treated by the British media but claims no resentment.
He seems aware of the necessity of maintaining positive media relations to remain relevant. His fantasy dinner party guests include: ‘Stalin, Roosevelt, Hitler, Mussolini, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra,’ and after a pause, ‘Bin Laden, to claim the reward.’
Life Lessons and Legacy
Reflecting on his life and his children’s, Di Stefano stated, ‘I’ve advised my children to pursue any path in life, but avoid being uninteresting.’
Giovanni Di Stefano has certainly lived by this principle.