Tottenham in disarray as managing director Fabio Paratici is banned WORLDWIDE for two-and-a-half YEARS over ‘financial malpractice’ in Italy – and he may now have to step down
Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici will likely have to step away from his role after FIFA extended worldwide a ban imposed on him by the Italian FA for ‘financial malpractice’.
When Juventus were docked 15 points in January following the ‘Prisma’ investigation after they were found guilty of false accounting in relation to transfer dealings, several current and former executives of the club received bans.
Paratici’s 30-month ban – which was the longest suspension handed to the 12 individuals sanctioned – applied only to Italian football but the global governing body have now confirmed this will be extended across the world, giving Spurs another major problem.
In a statement they said: ‘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.’
Paratici and Juventus deny any wrongdoing and have appealed the decision, along with the 15-point deduction.
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 faces a management crisis at Tottenham as Paratici may now have to step down
Juventus are accused of false corporate communications, false communications to the stock market and obstruction of a supervisory authority but said their accounting is in line with industry standards.
The news regarding Paratici comes as a huge blow to Spurs, with the Italian set to head up their search for a new manager after Antonio Conte left the club by mutual consent on Sunday.
Only on Tuesday had an interview with Paratici on the club’s official website been published, where he covered a number of topics including the dismissal of Conte and the search for his replacement.
The 50-year-old spent 11 years with Juventus from 2010 to 2021, which included a significant spell as sporting director, before he joined Spurs that summer.
Following the Prisma investigation, the other executives banned included former president Andrea Agnelli and CEO Maurizio Arrivabene who were sanctioned for two years.
Elsewhere, vice-president and former player Pavel Nedved received an eight-month suspension.
An appeal against the sanctions implemented by the Italian FA – which includes the the points deduction and banning of individuals – is set to be heard by the Italian Olympic Committee on April 19.
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)
Paratici was expected to lead the search for Antonio Conte’s replacement as Spurs manager
The 50-year-old spent 11 years at Juventus and joined Tottenham back in the summer of 2021
It was also reported on Monday how a judge in Turin began examining whether the 12 former Juventus officials – including ex-chairman Agnelli and Paratici – and the club itself should face trial over allegations of false accounting and market manipulation.
On the first day of a hearing behind closed doors, initial procedural issues were addressed before adjournment until May 10. The hearing is expected to last several months, after which judge Marco Picco will decide whether to order a trial.
Spurs have not commented on the ban to Paratici since it was handed out in January, while all other individuals sanctioned have had their suspensions extended worldwide by FIFA.
It remains to be seen what impact this will have on his role at Tottenham, but it is likely to bring it under serious scrutiny.