Antonio Conte

Spurs woes continue as director of football steps down

Spurs managing football director Fabio Paratici has received an extended ban by FIFA. Paratici was previously handed a 30-month ban from working in Italian soccer. This was the result of a financial investigation into his former club, Juventus. However, the new suspension now covers the entire world of soccer.

The world’s governing body of the sport confirmed on Wednesday that Paratici essentially must step down from his role at Spurs.

“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,” FIFA said in a statement to The Guardian.

Tough few days at Tottenham after ban, manager sacking

Paratici has previously appealed the ban, but it looks as if he will soon depart Spurs. He also gave an interview to the club’s official website on Tuesday. He discussed a wide range of topics, including Antonio Conte’s departure. The Italian coach left Spurs earlier in the week after a tumultuous final few months at the helm.

“We know how difficult this season was for [Conte] personally, Gian Piero (Ventrone) died and (Gianluca) Vialli, and then his surgery,” Paratici stated. “The club supported him a lot with it and everyone is close to each other but then we arrive in this mutual agreement and I think the decision that we made was the right decision for everyone.”

Supporters call for statement after Spurs football director ban

Following the latest updates on Paratici’s ban, Tottenham’s Supporters’ Trust issued a statement on the direction of the club. They even included worries about losing superstar striker Harry Kane as well. The England international’s current contract runs out in 2024.

“This news adds further to the extremely concerning situation at the club,” the statement read. “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.”

Spurs will need to right the ship in a hurry after a tough week. The north London outfit is currently fourth in the Premier League table, but Newcastle is right on their heels. The Magpies sit two points behind Spurs; however, the northeastern club also have two games in hand compared to the London-based team. Spurs have 10 top flight matches remaining on the schedule.

PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images

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