BT Group (LON:BT.A) said it was "extremely disappointed" with a decision at an Italian labour tribunal which means the former chief executive of its business there has reportedly been awarded around €1.8mln in damages for wrongful dismissal.
Gianluca Cimini was fired for disciplinary reasons last year, but then BT filed a criminal complaint accusing him of grave violations of corporate governance, arising from its investigation of alleged accounting fraud that cost the firm £530mln.
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Full reasons for the ruling by the judge will be issued within 15 days.
“We’re extremely disappointed with this decision,” a BT spokesman was quoted as writing in an e-mail.
He said BT would not comment further until the full judgement was available.
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BT can appeal the ruling but must immediately pay the damages, which could then be potentially recouped if the decision is overturned.
It was also ordered to pay Cimini’s legal fees.