Fabio Paratici has officially returned to Tottenham Hotspur as a sporting director, marking the end of a challenging period following a 30-month ban from football-related activities. The Italian had resigned from his position as managing director in April 2023 after the ban, initially imposed by Italian sports authorities due to allegations of false accounting at his former club Juventus, was extended worldwide by FIFA.

Now back in North London, Paratici will share the sporting director role with Johan Lange, who has been promoted from his previous position as technical director. This new leadership structure aims to bolster the club's football operations and build a "winning, world-class men's team".

In a statement released by the club, Paratici expressed his delight at returning to Tottenham. "I'm delighted to be returning to a club that I love," he said. He also acknowledged his ongoing work with Lange, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, and head coach Thomas Frank as a consultant. "I have been working with Johan, Vinai and Thomas as a consultant for a number of months and I now look forward to returning to London and joining the team full-time," Paratici added.

Addressing the Tottenham fans directly, Paratici conveyed a message of optimism and determination. "I'm convinced that working in partnership with Johan we can build a special future for the club and our supporters,” Paratici stated.

Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham highlighted the importance of this new chapter for the club. "This is an important evolution in how we operate," Venkatesham said. He emphasized the wide-ranging responsibilities of a sporting director in the modern game, stating that "by uniting two exceptional leaders in Johan and Fabio, we are setting the foundations for sustained success".

The club has outlined the responsibilities of Paratici and Lange, tasking them with overseeing a structure designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and long-term decision-making across all areas of the men's and boys' game. In addition to his work with players, contracts, the transfer market, loans, and player pathways, Paratici has made it clear that Tottenham will be "ready" to strengthen Frank’s squad in January if the right opportunity arises.

Furthermore, Tottenham plans to recruit a director of football operations to support Paratici and Lange, who will manage various departments at the club’s training center.

Paratici's initial 30-month ban stemmed from an investigation into Juventus, where he was one of several executives punished for false accounting. While he denied any wrongdoing, the ban was initially upheld, leading to his resignation from Tottenham in 2023. However, last month, Paratici reached a plea-bargain deal, resulting in an 18-month suspended sentence from Italy's general judicial system. Despite the ban, Paratici maintained informal ties with Tottenham and served as a consultant, advising on player recruitment and strategy.