Fabio paratici returns to Tottenham Hotspur as joint Sporting Director after FIFA ban | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the long-anticipated return of Fabio Paratici as joint sporting director, marking his first official role in football since serving a 30-month FIFA ban for financial irregularities, BBC Sport reports.

The 53-year-old Italian, who departed Spurs in April 2023 after his appeal was rejected by Italy’s highest sports court, will share responsibilities with Johan Lange, overseeing the club’s men’s football operations, including performance development, scouting, and recruitment.

Paratici’s return follows a plea bargain accepted by a judge in Rome last month, meaning he will not serve an 18-month prison sentence linked to Juventus’ false accounting case. The deal does not constitute an admission of guilt, allowing the former Juventus and Sampdoria executive to resume his career.

In a statement, Paratici expressed his enthusiasm at returning to north London: “I’m delighted to be returning to a club that I love. Working in partnership with Johan, I’m confident we can build a special future for Tottenham and our supporters.”

Paratici had been informally consulting for Spurs in recent months, contributing to transfer planning and strategic football operations. His reinstatement comes as Tottenham seek to finalise a broader leadership restructure, with a new director of football operations expected to be appointed soon.

Paratici’s vast European network and reputation as one of the continent’s most shrewd talent identifiers make his return a significant statement of intent. Despite controversy surrounding his past, Spurs believe his experience and acumen can help steer the club into a new era of competitiveness, one defined by smarter recruitment and sustained growth under the stewardship of Thomas Frank and the club’s evolving executive team.

GFN | Finn Entwistle