Fabio Paratici has officially returned to Tottenham Hotspur as joint sporting director, marking his comeback more than two years after serving a FIFA-imposed ban.
Paratici back in charge of football operations
The 53-year-old Italian will share the sporting director role with Johan Lange, overseeing the club’s men’s football operations, including player recruitment, scouting, and performance strategy. Tottenham confirmed the appointment after months of internal discussions about his reinstatement.
Return after Juventus controversy
Paratici stepped down from his role in April 2023 after his appeal against a 30-month global suspension was rejected. The ban stemmed from financial irregularities during his time at Juventus, where he served as sporting director and later managing director before joining Spurs in 2021. Juventus were docked 10 Serie A points as part of the investigation into false accounting.
Last month, a judge in Rome approved a plea bargain request from Paratici and other former Juventus officials. The ruling ensured he would avoid an 18-month prison sentence. Under Italian law, plea bargains do not require an admission of guilt.
Optimism about Spurs’ future
“I’m delighted to be returning to a club that I love,” Paratici said. “I’ve been working as a consultant for several months, and I’m now excited to rejoin full-time in London. Working alongside Johan, I believe we can build something special for the club and our supporters.”
Tottenham added that their restructuring process will continue with the appointment of a director of football operations, who will collaborate with Paratici and Lange. Until then, the women’s team will remain under the supervision of chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
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