Tottenham confirm Fabio Paratici has RESIGNED as managing director after his appeal against two-and-half year global ban was REJECTED following alleged financial irregularities at Juventus to leave Spurs in chaos
- Fabio Paratici was banned by FIFA in March after an investigation at Juventus
- Spurs’ managing director saw appeal thrown out by Italian Olympic Committee
- The club confirmed on Friday morning the Italian has now resigned from his role
Tottenham chief Fabio Paratici has resigned from his role after the appeal against his two-and-half year global ban from football was rejected.
The club’s managing director of football was originally hit with a suspension from Italian football for his role in alleged financial irregularities relating back to his time at Juventus in January.
That was extended to a worldwide ban by FIFA last month, a development that saw Spurs release a statement confirming the administrator would step away from his role pending the result of the appeal.
But Paratici saw that appeal to the Italian Olympic Committee thrown out, meaning he was unlikely to return to work.
And the club confirmed on Friday morning in a statement that Paratici would be resigning from his role in order to ‘focus on his legal position in respect of the FIGC (Italian FA) and FIFA rulings’.
Tottenham chief Fabio Paratici has resigned from his role as managing director at the club after his appeal against a global ban from football rejected, leaving Spurs in chaos
Paratici’s (right, in 2018) ban is in relation to alleged financial irregularities while at Juventus
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy – who will now lead the club’s search for a new manager after Paratici’s departure – said: ‘This has been a stressful time for Fabio and his family. We wanted to ensure that we allowed for due process to be followed. Fabio is a man who lives and breathes football – we wish him well.
‘As outlined in our year end results, we started several months ago to restructure our football operations and last week announced the appointment of Scott Munn as Chief Football Officer to head up all the departments. We shall continue to strengthen our football functions over the coming months.’
It is understood that Spurs’ performance director Gretar Steinsson and director of football administration and governance Rebecca Caplehorn have been taking on the responsibilities vacated by Paratici in the short-term.
With the club searching for a new manager and a big summer of recruitment ahead, Paratici’s resignation following his suspension leaves Tottenham effectively without a head of football.
Harry Kane’s future will also become an issue this summer given he is entering the final 12 months of his deal, though the current indications are that chairman Daniel Levy is unwilling to sell the England captain ahead of next season even though the striker can leave for nothing next year.
It all means the club faces a huge summer in their future and Paratici’s departure plunges the club into further crisis after a dismal and chaotic season.
Spurs are in a fight to qualify for the Champions League, sitting in fifth place but they are three points behind Newcastle and have played a game more ahead of facing Eddie Howe’s side at St James’ Park on Sunday.
They also crashed out of the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League in meek fashion – meaning their trophy drought has been extended to 15 years since they won the League Cup back in 2008.
Cristian Stellini – who replaced Antonio Conte on an interim basis until the end of the season when the former Chelsea boss was sacked last month – will see his side face Newcastle, Manchester United, Liverpool and in-form Aston Villa during a tough final seven games of the season.
It leaves Tottenham owner Daniel Levy (right) without a managing director and a manager
Tottenham are also suffering on the pitch following the sacking Antonio Conte back in March
Sources have indicated that Levy will look to replace Paratici rather than promote from within his existing staff.
The Italian’s replacement will report into the incoming chief football officer Scott Munn that the Spurs chairman referenced in his statement, according to the Evening Standard.
A number of current sporting directors in England and in Europe have been alerted to the uncertainty surrounding Paratici’s future.
Meanwhile, Mail Sport understands the club are exploring an interest in Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese is rated among the best emerging coaches in Europe and is on Tottenham’s radar. He has also been on Chelsea’s radar. Tottenham insist the appointment of Antonio Conte’s long-term successor is an open process with no set first-choice as it stands.
Meanwhile, the club are exploring an interest in Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim
Julian Nagelsmann has major support at Spurs, but the German is understood to prefer a move to Chelsea.
Luis Enrique and Arne Slot are also a realistic options for Spurs, while Vincent Kompany is of interest – though Burnley are keen to tie the Belgian down to a new deal.
Mauricio Pochettino is the preferred candidate for a number of players and the large sections of the fanbase, but his appointment is viewed as unrealistic.
Brendan Rodgers is also available and has been considered in the past.
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