Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the return of Fabio Paratici as joint sporting director, more than two and a half years after his 30-month FIFA ban. Paratici, 53, will share responsibilities with Johan Lange, overseeing Spurs’ men’s football strategy, including scouting, recruitment, and performance development.

Paratici originally resigned from Tottenham in April 2023 after Italy’s highest sports court rejected his appeal against the ban. The suspension was linked to financial irregularities at Juventus, where he had previously served as sporting and managing director. Juventus were found guilty of false accounting and were docked 10 points in Serie A.

Last month, Paratici avoided an 18-month prison sentence after a judge in Rome approved a plea bargain. Italian plea deals do not require an admission of guilt or liability.

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Paratici: “Excited to Return”

Speaking about his comeback, Paratici said:

“I’m delighted to be returning to a club that I love. I have been working with Johan, Vinai [Venkatesham] and Thomas [Frank] as a consultant for a number of months, and I now look forward to returning to London and joining the team full time. I’m convinced that working in partnership with Johan we can build a special future for the club and our supporters.”

Tottenham plan to complete their leadership structure by hiring a director of football operations to work alongside Paratici and Lange. Until then, the women’s team will remain under Vinai Venkatesham’s direct control.

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Expertise and Transfer Market Influence

Paratici is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading sporting directors, renowned for his extensive network in football. Since leaving Spurs in 2023, he had been working in a consultancy role and was linked to AC Milan over the summer.

Despite changes in Tottenham’s leadership following Daniel Levy’s departure, the new ownership team has moved quickly to secure Paratici’s official return, reflecting the value of his transfer market know-how and strategic insight.

“One of the most extensive contacts books in the game—who he doesn’t know probably isn’t worth knowing,” noted senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel.

It remains to be seen how Paratici will collaborate with Lange, but his experience in player recruitment and club strategy is expected to be a major asset for Spurs in the coming seasons.

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Key Takeaways

• Fabio Paratici returns as joint sporting director alongside Johan Lange.
• His comeback follows a 30-month FIFA ban and a plea bargain in Italy avoiding prison time.
• Spurs aim to complete leadership with a director of football operations.
• Paratici is recognized for transfer market expertise and extensive contacts across European football.
• Tottenham’s new ownership team has prioritized Paratici’s return, despite managerial and executive changes.