Paratici STEPS DOWN as Spurs managing director immediately after worldwide ban

TOTTENHAM’S managing director of football Fabio Paratici is to take an immediate leave of absence after having his 30-month ban extended worldwide.

The Italian, 50, was suspended by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for his role in the alleged financial irregularities scandal at Juventus.

Initially it had only referred to working in Italy but on Wednesday Fifa enforced the ban globally.

Spurs were seeking clarification over whether he could still work for the club up until his appeal against it on April 19.

But it has now been decided the former Juve director will step down from his role until that appeal.

A Spurs statement read: “This week – 29 March 2023 – the Fifa Disciplinary Committee announced a decision to extend the FIGC sanctions, relating to Fabio Paratici, worldwide. 

“This decision was taken in advance of Fabio Paratici’s appeal hearing against the FIGC sanctions on 19 April 2023, the result of which would then have been considered by additional stakeholders, including the club.

“Given Fifa’s unexpected ruling the sanctions may now have multi-jurisdictional effect, although they are still related to the FIGC appeal.

“In view of Fifa’s decision, Fabio has agreed with the club that he will take an immediate leave of absence pending the outcome of his appeal.”

It came less than five hours after interim boss Cristian Stellini, who has stepped up after Antonio Conte left, said the club is “not in crisis”.

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It comes as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is deciding who to name as next boss following Antonio Conte’s departure this month.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino are thought to be frontrunners.