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Tottenham Hotspur has announced the highly awaited return of Fabio Paratici as joint sporting director. This role marks his first official position in football since completing a 30-month ban from FIFA due to financial irregularities, according to BBC Sport.
The 53-year-old Italian, who left Spurs in April 2023 after his appeal was dismissed by Italy’s top sports court, will collaborate with Johan Lange in overseeing the club’s men’s football operations. His responsibilities will include performance development, scouting, and recruitment.
Paratici’s reappointment follows a plea deal approved by a Rome judge last month, allowing him to avoid an 18-month prison sentence related to Juventus’ accounting scandal. Importantly, this agreement does not imply any admission of guilt, enabling the former Juventus and Sampdoria executive to resume his professional career.
In a statement, Paratici expressed his excitement about returning to north London: “I’m thrilled to be back at a club I hold dear. Working alongside Johan, I am confident we can create a remarkable future for Tottenham and our fans.”
Recently, Paratici has been informally advising Spurs, assisting with transfer planning and strategic football operations. His reinstatement occurs as Tottenham looks to complete a comprehensive leadership overhaul, with a new director of football operations expected to be named shortly.
Paratici’s extensive European connections and his reputation as a savvy talent scout signal a strong commitment from Spurs. Despite the controversies surrounding his previous tenure, the club believes his expertise will guide them into a new era of competitiveness, characterized by smarter recruitment and sustainable growth under Thomas Frank and the evolving executive team.
GFN | Finn Entwistle