Fabio Paratici Makes Comeback to Tottenham Hotspur as Sporting Director After 30-Month FIFA Ban

Tottenham Hotspur has officially named Fabio Paratici as their sporting director, marking his return after a significant absence. Paratici’s reinstatement follows a 30-month ban imposed by FIFA, ending two and a half years of ineligibility.

Paratici’s Ban and Return

The Italian executive faced a ban due to financial irregularities linked to his previous tenure at Juventus. While serving as sporting director at Juventus, Paratici was implicated in a scandal involving false accounting, which resulted in the club facing serious penalties, including a 10-point deduction in Serie A. Paratici finally resigned from his role at Tottenham in April 2023 after his appeal against the ban was denied by Italy’s highest sports court.

Recently, a judge in Rome approved a plea bargain for Paratici and several former Juventus officials. This agreement ensures Paratici will avoid an 18-month prison sentence. It is important to note that such plea deals in Italy do not require an admission of guilt or liability acceptance.

Role at Tottenham Hotspur

In his new role, Paratici will work alongside Johan Lange as a joint sporting director. His responsibilities include overseeing Tottenham’s men’s football strategy, focusing on:

• Performance development
• Scouting
• Recruitment

Vision for the Future

Expressing his enthusiasm for returning to the club, Paratici stated, “I’m delighted to be returning to a club that I love.” He highlighted his collaborative work with Lange, Vinai Venkatesham, and Thomas Frank in a consulting capacity over recent months. Paratici emphasized his commitment to building a promising future for Tottenham and its supporters.

Upcoming Changes at the Club

To further strengthen their leadership structure, Tottenham will recruit a director of football operations to support both Paratici and Lange. Meanwhile, the women’s team will continue to operate directly under Venkatesham’s oversight until this new role is filled.

In summary, Paratici’s comeback represents a significant event for Tottenham as they aim to enhance their football strategy while moving past recent challenges. As he steps back into a central role, the focus will be on building a competitive team both on and off the pitch.