Kieran Maguire: Tottenham have swerved ‘big embarrassment’ as Fabio Paratici decision confirmed
Tottenham have avoided a “big embarrassment” after managing director Fabio Paratici was cleared of capital gains fraud charges.
So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the court case relating to Paratici’s time at Juventus.
The Italian, 49, oversaw football operations at Juve from 2010 until his move to Tottenham in June last year.
He stood accused of artificially inflating transfer fees in order to present a better accounting picture, as were the chiefs of 11 other Serie A clubs.
But he has now been cleared of all charges and dodged a 16-month suspension from football, as relayed by BBC Sport last Friday (15 April).
Maguire claims that, although Spurs were not accused of any wrongdoing, they will be relieved that Paratici’s reputation has emerged unscathed.
“This avoids a big embarrassment for Spurs and they can now focus on football,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“It is, if nothing else, one less thing for rivals fans and opponents of ENIC to use against them.
“The tribal nature of fans means they would have always used this against them had he been found guilty. So, it’s a relief rather than a pleasure.“
Paratici has brought ex-Juve stars Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur to Tottenham, as well as former manager Antonio Conte.
Spurs, who are currently 4th in the Premier League on goal difference with six games to go, face Brentford tomorrow (24 April).
In other news, Tottenham told by pundit to sign “incredible” Sam Johnstone alternative amid Man United twist