Tottenham Hotspur's managing director Fabio Paratici has stepped back from his role pending an appeal against his worldwide football ban.
Spurs have experienced a tumultuous week, beginning with the decision to sack manager Antonio Conte on Sunday.
On Tuesday, Paratici took to the club's media channels to update supporters about Tottenham's search for a new manager.
Less than 24 hours later, the managing director had his 30-month ban for alleged financial mismanagement at his former club Juventus extended worldwide.
Paratici's original ban was handed out by the Italian FA and only applied to football activities in his home country.
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However, in a statement released on Wednesday, FIFA said: "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."
Tottenham released their own statement in response where they said that they had no prior warning of FIFA's decision and would be "urgently seeking further clarification from FIFA" over the matter.
Spurs have now provided a further update, revealing that Paratici will step away from his duties pending an appeal.
The club statement 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.
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"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."
On the pitch, interim boss Cristian Stellini is currently preparing his Tottenham side for Monday's Premier League meeting with Everton.
Spurs are currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League table, but they will drop out of the Champions League places if Newcastle United beat Manchester United on Sunday.
