By Andrew Warshaw
September 17 – Juventus coach Antonio Conte will be conspicuous by his absence when the Italians visit defending champions Chelsea for the opening series of Champions league games on Wednesday (September 19).
Conte (pictured top) has had his 10-month suspension in Italy for match-fixing violations extended worldwide by FIFA, barring him from attending that or any other game.
The ban “covers all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures,” FIFA said in a statement.
Conte protests his innocence, describing the verdict as a “disgrace”, and is appealing.
FIFA said the sanction could be changed if he wins the appeal, to be heard on Friday (September 21).
Conte guided Juventus to the Serie A title unbeaten last season in his first year in charge but had his reputation shattered when he was handed a 10-month ban for allegedly permitting illegal betting while he was coach at Siena.
FIFA said it was preparing to extend suspensions worldwide to other players and officials implicated in the ongoing Italian match-fixing investigation.
“FIFA is currently reviewing additional documentation provided by the [Italian Football Federation (FIGC)] in relation to other sanctions,” football’s world governing body said.
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