Tottenham in deeper crisis as Fabio Paratici's two-and-half year global ban appeal is REJECTED

Tottenham chief Fabio Paratici’s future has been plunged into further doubt 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 the Spurs release a statement confirming the administrator would step away from his role pending the result of the appeal.

But Paratici has seen that appeal to the Italian Olympic Committee thrown out, meaning he is unlikely to return to work.

The news leaves serious question marks over the Italian’s long-term future at the club.

It is understood that Spurs’ performance director Gretar Steinsson and director of football administration and governance Rebecca Caplehorn have taken on the responsibilities vacated by Paratici in the short-term.

But it now remains to be seen how Tottenham proceed after the decision to uphold Paratici’s ban on Thursday.

With the club searching for a new manager and a summer of recruitment ahead, Paratici’s 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.

However, it is increasingly likely that the club will head into the summer without Paratici’s influence, with a cloud now hanging over his future in north London.

Sources have indicated that Levy will look to replace Paratici rather than promote from within his existing staff.

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.

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.