In a surprisingly move FIFA has decided to extend the ban handed to Juventus coach Antonio Conte to cover all matches, a move which rules out his involvement in his side’s Champions League campaign starting next week.
Conte was suspended for ten months by the Italian Football Federation for allegedly not reporting a suspect fixture during his time with Siena back in 2010.
I was under the impression that Conte’s ban only applied to domestic game, but FIFA today in a statement on their web site said:
The Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, in accordance with article 136 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, has extended the ten month sanction imposed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Juventus coach Antonio Conte.to have worldwide effect.
This suspension covers all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures.
Conte’s second appeal against the ban is set to be heard next week, and FIFA’s statement went on to say the sanction could be changed if he is successful.
Juventus technical director and former player Massimo Carrera has taken over Conte’s duties on match days, manning the sidelines, but Conte is still able to lead the team during training sessions.
Juventus return to Champions League football next week, when they travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.