Tottenham say they are ‘urgently seeking further clarification from FIFA’ over Fabio Paratici’s worldwide two-and-a-half year ban after admitting they were given ‘no notice’ of decision which descended their season into further CHAOS
- Fabio Paratici was one of 12 people sanctioned after the ‘Prisma investigation’
- He was banned for 30-months, but this originally only applied to Italian football
- FIFA have now since confirmed the suspension has been extended worldwide
Tottenham’s season descended into chaos on Wednesday after managing director of football Fabio Paratici was hit with a global ban from football leaving the club considering their legal options.
Less than 24 hours after the club released a video of the Italian administrator – who has been in his homeland this week – talking about the departure of Antonio Conte, Paratici’s continued involvement in Tottenham’s operation was thrown into disarray after FIFA extended an original suspension, dished out to the 50-year-old by the Italian football federation for alleged financial irregularities dating back to his time with Juventus, to a worldwide ban.
Tottenham say they were not notified ahead of FIFA’s announcement on Wednesday morning.
A Spurs statement read: ‘Following media reports today regarding the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decision to extend worldwide the sanction imposed by the FIGC Federal Court of Appeals on Fabio Paratici on 20 January 2023, the Club made urgent enquiries to FIFA.
‘FIFA has late this afternoon responded to us in writing notifying us today, Wednesday 29 March 2023, that a decision has been made by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to extend the FIGC sanction worldwide.
Tottenham’s managing director Fabio Paratici has had his 30-month ban from football – originally handed out by the Italian FA – extended worldwide by FIFA
Daniel Levy’s Tottenham claim they have made ‘urgent enquires’ to FIFA in a statement
Spurs tweeted an interview with Paratici on Tuesday night, just hours before his ban was extended
‘This committee deliberation has been taken with no advance notice to any of the parties involved. We are urgently seeking further clarification from FIFA as to the details of the extension and its variance from the FIGC sanction.
‘We should like to make clear that when Fabio conducted the interview on Club channels yesterday neither he nor the Club had any indication of this decision being made by FIFA, based on the fact the FIGC sanction was taken on 20 January 2023 and remains subject to an Appeal on 19 April 2023.’
Paratici’s 30-month ban stretches across all football-related activities, administrative, sports or any other, at national and international level.
The news is expected to rule him out of having a role in the search for Spurs’ new manager, summer player transfers or contract negotiations with star striker Harry Kane.
The ruling arrived as yet another blow to a season that is in turmoil.
Paratici’s future at Spurs is now under a significant cloud, with the club exploring legal options which may impact upon the Italian’s employment.
Ever since it emerged that Paratici had been suspended by the Italian football federation, the director has been gradually sidelined by the club.
Indeed, Sportsmail has learned that Paratici was adamant that Conte should see out the season at Tottenham.
Paratici was expected to lead the search for Antonio Conte’s replacement as Spurs manager
Paratici was one of 12 ex-Juventus officials sanctioned after the Prisma investigation, which included ex-chairman Andrea Agnelli (second from L) and vice-president Pavel Nedved (L)
But despite Paratici’s opinion, the club moved last week to sanction Conte’s departure after his now infamous verbal attack on the team.
Julian Naglesmann is the club’s desired candidate to replace Conte – but given the difficulties behind the scenes at Spurs it will be difficult to attract coaches of the German’s ilk.
It is understood Paratici has a 10 day period to request the grounds of the FIFA decision, during which time the Italian could be allowed to work.
He can also appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
But even after that process, Paratici must wait for the outcome of that appeal and the Juventus appeal against the original punishment the Serie A club and Paratici faced for alleged financial wrongdoing, which is due to be heard on April 19.
Confirming Paratici’s ban had been extended, FIFA statement read: ‘Fifa can confirm that following a request by the Italian FA (FIGC), the Chairperson of Fifa Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the sanctions imposed by FIGC on several football officials to have worldwide effect.’
On Wednesday the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust issued a statement in which they spoke of the need for the club to address fans over the direction and the club.
The 50-year-old spent 11 years at Juventus and joined Tottenham back in the summer of 2021
‘No manager, no director of football and uncertainty around our star player and our end of season finish. Fans deserve to hear a clear statement of strategy from THFC so they can be reassured by the board on their plan to bring success and stability to the club,’ read the statement.
Paratici’s plight could hit deeper depths by an Italian criminal court case that has been postponed until May 10. It was due to start on Monday.
That means he could still face criminal punishment even if Juventus’ appeal is successful.
Sources have indicated that Paratici – described as being very single minded and occasionally emotional – is likely to leave his Tottenham role by the start of next season, though the various court and hearing dates may prolong the process.
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