Newcastle United's top-four chasing rivals Tottenham Hotspur are in turmoil after managing director Fabio Paratici saw his 30-month Italian football ban extended to a worldwide suspension.
Paratici's former club Juventus were docked 15 points earlier this season after the 'Prisma Investigation' found the Serie A giants guilty of false accounting in relation to transfer dealings, with a number of club chiefs subsequently receiving football suspensions. Juventus have continuously denied all allegations.
Paratici was one of those sanctioned but was able to continue his work with Tottenham due to his ban only relating to Italian football. However, FIFA have now decided to impose a worldwide suspension on those involved.
“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," the governing body announced on Wednesday.
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Paratici was the man responsible for heading up Tottenham's search for a new manager following the departure of Antonio Conte last week. The former Chelsea and Juventus boss left the north London outfit by 'mutual consent' following a poor run of form and an extraordinary outburst after the recent 3-3 draw with Southampton.
Tottenham assistants Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason will take charge of the club on a temporary basis until a suitable replacement is found. However, Paratici may now have to walk away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Speaking earlier this week to the club's official website, the Italian director issued a rallying cry for the remainder of the season. "The Premier League always is tough," Paratici said.
"We have a lot of teams, a lot of clubs, really really prepared about achieving this target but we fight, we are like them. So, we will fight to achieve our target.
"Even, unfortunately, we lack some players (due to injury) but, as not to be an alibi to anyone, we have good players. We are prepared to fight until the end of the season."
Tottenham's turmoil hands Newcastle a huge advantage in the hunt for a spot at Europe's top table next season. The Magpies are currently just two points behind Spurs, who occupy fourth spot, with two games in hand over the manager-less side.
Tottenham's recent form will give Eddie Howe's men added motivation in the hunt for a Champions League place. Speaking on his podcast this week, Newcastle striker Callum Wilson admitted Conte's exit could prove a factor in the final stages of the season.
“It could go both ways,” he said. “They could wait until the end of this season to appointing a new manager which means the players are playing under temporary charge which means they have a lot more control and freedom. It’s a difficult one to say so far.
"I guess the next few games will determine whether it’s a positive or a negative. But Tottenham are a top side regardless of the manager that is in place.”
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