Shares in Lazio (BIT:LAZI) dropped by about 5% on Monday after the Serie A club publicly pushed back against media reports suggesting a potential takeover.
In a statement issued on Friday, Lazio said it had not received any formal approach and rejected speculation that a sale was underway. The statement specifically addressed claims that a Qatari investor was seeking the stake held by Claudio Lotito.
Local media coverage had reported that a Qatari fund submitted a €600 million offer for the club and that Lotito, who is 68 years old and has been in control since 2004, was leaning toward turning down the proposal following a short review. The club's statement contradicted those accounts by saying no formal approach had been made.
Lotito's ownership has been credited with restoring financial stability during his early years in charge, but in more recent seasons criticism of his stewardship has grown. Observers, supporters and critics have pointed to a slowing of investment and the failure to adequately replace several key departures from the playing squad.
Fan unrest has manifested in several ways. Multiple supporter groups have been boycotting home matches in protest at the ownership, and an online petition urging the Italian senator to sell his stakes has gathered more than 40,000 signatures.
Despite these signs of waning support among parts of the fanbase, Lotito has repeatedly indicated his intention to remain as owner. The club presented plans on Tuesday for the proposed redevelopment of Stadio Flaminio, and it intends to reveal its "Lazio 2032" strategic plan during the March international break.
The recent episode echoes an earlier incident in October, when Lazio and its majority shareholder denied online rumours that the club was for sale. At that time the club said it had filed information with judicial authorities and with market regulators Consob and Borsa Italiana to "identify the source and responsibility" for the circulating rumours.
The stock reaction on Monday reflects investor sensitivity to ownership uncertainty and media-driven takeover speculation, while the club continues to maintain that no formal bid has been received.