Fabiani: ‘Lazio did not take Sarri for a ride’ on transfer embargo | OneFootball

Lazio director of sport Angelo Maria Fabiani admits coach Maurizio Sarri ‘was not informed’ of the transfer embargo until recently, but denies he threatened to resign or was ‘taken for a ride’ by the club.

The situation remains somewhat confused, because when Sarri agreed to return to the Stadio Olimpico after his departure due to personal reasons in March 2024, he seemed unaware that no new signings would be possible.

That was the case until circa 48 hours ago, when President Claudio Lotito discussed the transfer embargo and failure to meet three financial parameters.

“The liquidity index and debt, all these rules ought to be understood in their entirety,” insisted director Fabiani to LaLazioSiamoNoi.

“This doesn’t mean the club is unable to cover its commitments to the players and employees. We paid all our salaries. The liquidity index failed because the club made an investment to improve the training structures, an understandable oversight, but it has nothing to do with investment made in players.”

Sarri did not know about Lazio financial situation

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 19: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of SS Lazio, reacts during the Italian EA Sports FC Supercup Semifinal match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazioat Al-Awwal Stadium on January 19, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

While it has been suggested Sarri was eager to revamp the squad with players more suited to his style of football, Fabiani and President Lotito are eager to point out the strengths of the current group.

“There are all players that he knows well and appreciates, this is not a team that he’s never seen before. I am a fair, reliable and consistent person, I always said Lazio would not sell their best players, and that is what’s happening.”

It had been reported that before the crisis talks this week, Sarri was ready to walk away, as he felt increasingly frustrated by the lack of clarity.

Considering the comments from Fabiani, it would seem there wasn’t a lot of clarity within the club either.

epa11068012 Lazio�s president Claudio Lotito celebrates after winning the Coppa Italia quarter final soccer match between SS Lazio and AS Roma, in Rome, Italy, 10 January 2024. EPA-EFE/FABIO FRUSTACI

“Sarri was informed about the transfer embargo later, but even Lotito and myself only realised it recently too,” said Fabiani.

“This made us take a step back and rediscuss some things with the coach. I heard talk of a resignation, but we never got any sign of that, especially because the contract doesn’t even start until July 1, so how was he supposed to resign? That was invented.

“Sarri showed professionalism and a great sense of belonging. He left us during a difficult time in his life, which can happen to anyone, but on very good terms. He had the opportunity to take a step back from us because some situations changed, but it’s one thing to find out about it later, quite another to be taken for a ride.

“The rapport with Lotito and me is so strong that such a thing could never happen, we would never cloud the reality of the situation.”

ROME, ITALY – MAY 25: Matteo Guendouzi of Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on May 25, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The indexes were breached in March, but it would seem as if Lazio’s own directors and President didn’t realise it until a few weeks ago.

“When I spoke to Sarri on May 26, I did not know about the embargo or this situation. I never would’ve dreamed of taking him for a ride.”

Their finances were also hit hard by failing to qualify for any UEFA competition, which means their squad is now far too large.

Although Lazio could break the transfer embargo by injecting fresh capital, that does not seem to be in the plans for Lotito or Fabiani, who suggest Sarri stick with what he’s got.

“The squad has enough fuel in the tank to reach January, so the coach can have time to work with these players, then we’ll evaluate in mid-season.”