Why was Fabio Paratici banned by FIFA? New Tottenham role and best transfers explained

Fabio Paratici has returned to Tottenham Hotspur in a new role following the end of a ban imposed by FIFA in 2023. The former managing director of football’s return to the north London outfit was confirmed by the club on Wednesday.

Paratici had been working on a consultancy basis for Spurs during his ban, after some restrictions were lifted, advising former chairman Daniel Levy and the club on transfers.

The 53-year-old has previously worked at Sampdoria and Juventus in Italy before making the switch to the UK in 2021. Paratici is now back at Tottenham Hotspur as sporting director.

Why was Fabio Paratici banned by FIFA?

Fabio Paratici was one of 11 former Juventus executives banned from Italian football after being accused of financial malpractice. That ban was imposed by the Italian Football Federation in January 2023 after an investigation into alleged financial mismanagement at Juventus. The club was deducted 15 points during that process.

FIFA then extended the ban to worldwide activities in March 2023, on request of the Italian FA. FIFA said at the time: "FIFA have confirmed 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."

Paratici stepped back from his director role after that and officially resigned in April 2023 after an appeal against the worldwide ban was rejected. The ban had been reduced to allow the businessman to work in football in a reduced capacity and formally ended this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur unveil new leadership structure

In an official club statement on Wednesday morning, Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the return of Paratici as sporting director. He will work alongside Johan Lange, who has also been appointed as sporting director.

The Premier League club claim that the new structure is ‘designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration and long-term decision making across all areas of the men’s and boys’ game’. The two are set to work across all aspects at the club, including scouting and recruitment.

Paratici said: “I’m delighted to be returning to a Club that I love. I have been working with Johan, Vinai and Thomas as a consultant for a number of months and I now look forward to returning to London and joining the team full-time. I’m convinced that working in partnership with Johan we can build a special future for the Club and our supporters."

Paratici best Spurs signings

Paratici helped bring several prominent Tottenham Hotspur first team figures to the club in his previous role. The most expensive was the £60 million paid to Everton for Brazilian forward Richarlison in July 2022.

At the time, Paratici said: “We are so convinced [it was right] to buy him so far, his kind of style of football is, I think, perfect for us. Not just technically speaking but [in terms of] character.

“He's a fighter, he has a big energy, he can play three positions in the forwards. He has great experience in the Premier League and national team for Brazil. I think it's really technically speaking an easy choice [to sign him].”

Paratici also saw significant fees spent on Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski. The director’s less successful transfer splurges could be deemed to include the £22 million for Bryan Gil from Sevilla and the £27 million on Emerson Royal from Barcelona.

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