Fabio Paratici is reportedly still involved with Tottenham Hotspur on a consultancy basis, despite stepping away from the club in April after being banned from football.
The Italian joined Tottenham as Managing Director of Football in 2021 and was instrumental in transfer activity at the club, particularly in bringing the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur to North London last January.
(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
Paratici was wrapped up in the controversy surrounding Juventus‘ financial affairs and was subsequently handed a global ban from football earlier this year which would see him unable to take up a role in the game for 30 months.
However, a recent report from Il Messaggero, relayed by Lazio News 24, revealed Paratici had taken on a consultancy role at Italian side Sampdoria. The 50-year-old had also been offering advice to Lazio president Claudio Lotito recently.
Fabio Paratici is still offering advice to Tottenham
Now, it seems the Italian has taken advantage of the terms of his ban that allows him to advise clubs as a consultant once more, as it is revealed by Football.London that Paratici holds a similar role at Tottenham.
Despite the initial ban, FIFA subsequently reduced some of the terms of the restrictions, and allowed Paratici to “return to football activity at a reduced capacity.” It is this which allows him to act in a consultancy role for various clubs.
According to the latest report, Spurs are “still receiving advice” from Paratici. It is noted how all three of Tottenham’s summer transfer deals – Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro becoming permanent transfers, and Guglielmo Vicario’s imminent switch to North London – all “bear the touch of Paratici” in one way or another.
The loan deals of Kulusevski and Porro were both initiated during Paratici’s time at Tottenham, while Vicario is known to be a player Paratici had earmarked previously (Football.London).
On top of this, Paratici is believed to be “aiding the club’s summer plans to rebuild the squad” under new boss Ange Postecoglou.
However, while Paratici is still involved with Tottenham, there are signs that his previous work at the club is being “dismantled” to some degree.
With new chief football officer Scott Munn arriving at the club, and Greitar Steinsson – a man Paratici was involved in hiring – departing his role, it seems changes are taking place at Spurs.
Spurs Web Opinion
While this is all above board when it comes to the ruling of Paratici’s ban, it does feel a little odd that he is still involved with Spurs.
As long as his advice and activity are not breaking any rules, then there should be no problem, but we just have to be careful not to venture into any sticky situations as a result of his connection.
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