Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici has had his ban extended by FIFA to activities worldwide. In January, he was given a 30-month suspension from all activities within the Italian Football Federation as part of an inquiry into alleged financial mismanagement at Juventus, which resulted in the suspension of 11 other officials and the deduction of 15 points from the club. The Italian FA requested that these bans be extended globally, and FIFA confirmed to Sky Sports News that this request was accepted, resulting in a global suspension from football activities for Paratici.
“Following a request from the Italian FA (FIGC), FIFA has stated that the Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the sanctions imposed by FIGC on numerous football officials to have a global effect,” FIFA said in a statement extending the ban of Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici.
Sky Sports News has reached out to Tottenham Hotspur and the Football Association for clarification on what this means for Paratici and his job at Spurs. Paratici is unable to do direct transfer market activity – he is unable to speak with agents or negotiate deals, which is an essential aspect of his job as managing director of football – but he is able to work internally at Spurs, including attending meetings. They are seeking official clarity, such as whether he can be engaged in Tottenham’s hunt for a new permanent manager following Antonio Conte’s departure.
The sanctions have been appealed by Paratici, Juventus, and the other officials involved, with the outcome expected later in April, possibly 19. Even if this appeal to the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) is ongoing, the ban remains in place. A preliminary hearing for Paratici and 11 other former Juventus officials, which was scheduled for Wednesday, has been rescheduled for May 10. Juventus, as well as the 12 officials involved, including Paratici, deny any wrongdoing.
In an extended interview published on the club’s official website on Tuesday, Paratici called Conte’s departure “the right decision” and urged everyone at the club to focus on a great season finale. Conte’s leaving has saddened forward Heung-min Son, who feels guilty.
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