Tottenham 'seek clarification' over Fabio Paratici ban extension

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Tottenham 'seek clarification' over Fabio Paratici ban extension

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Paratici was appointed as Tottenham's managing director in June 2021
Paratici was appointed as Tottenham's managing director in June 2021Reuters
FIFA has extended bans imposed on past and present Juventus officials to apply worldwide, the football governing body said on Wednesday, with Tottenham Hotspur's current managing director of football Fabio Paratici among the individuals affected by the move.

In January, Serie A's Juventus were deducted 15 points for the season by an Italian soccer court investigating the club's transfer dealings and finances.

The court also imposed bans from holding office in Italian soccer on a number of the club's officials.

These included a 30-month ban for former sports director, Paratici, who joined Tottenham in 2021 following an 11-year stint at Juventus.

Juventus have denied wrongdoing and said their accounting was in line with industry standards. They have also lodged an appeal against the ruling.

"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," a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters.

FIFA's decision leaves Paratici's future at Tottenham in doubt and adds to the uncertainty surrounding the London club, who are currently searching for a new manager after parting ways with Antonio Conte on Sunday.

Tottenham published a lengthy interview with Paratici on Tuesday in which he insisted Conte's exit was "the right decision for everyone".

Paratici said the club were "focused" on backing interim head coach Cristian Stellini as they try to qualify for the Champions League by securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Tottenham said they are seeking further clarification from FIFA as they believe Paratici's ban would not kick in until his appeal has been heard.

"We are urgently seeking further clarification from FIFA as to the details of the extension and its variance from the FIGC sanction," Spurs said in a statement.

"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."

Tottenham are currently fourth in the Premier League but only two points above fifth-placed Newcastle, who have two games in hand.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust (THST), responding to the extension of Paratici's ban, on Wednesday called for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to reassure fans about the future of the club.

"This news adds further to the extremely concerning situation at the club," the THST said in a statement.

"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."

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