Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Fabio Paratici has agreed to take an ‘immediate leave of absence’ pending the result of his appeal.
Following the exit of Antonio Conte earlier this month, that leaves Tottenham without a manager or managing director of football for the foreseeable future.
(Photo by Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
This comes after Paratici was given a 30-month ban from all Italian football and administrative activities earlier this year, only to have it extended to worldwide football this week (Sky Sports News).
The Tottenham managing director of football has appealed the decision and there is a hearing set for April 19, but if his attempt to overturn the ban fails, he will have to leave Spurs (The Guardian).
The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Paratici was set to fly back to the UK today and developments would accelerate once he was back at Hotspur Way.
That was proved correct today as The Athletic reported Paratici had talked to the Spurs squad and explained the situation before stepping back from his role at the club.
Tottenham’s statement on the matter read: ‘This week – 29 March 2023 – the FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced a decision to extend the Italian Football Federation (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.’
Spurs Web Opinion:
This was to be expected but the thing I am taking away from Tottenham’s statement is that Paratici is not definitely leaving.
The way it is worded sounds like Spurs will stick with him if his appeal is successful.
I would rather just get rid of him now either way and move on.
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