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SPURS CONFIRM FABIO PARATICI VERDICT TWO YEARS POST GLOBAL FOOTBALL BAN

Fabio Paratici returns to Tottenham as co-sporting director alongside Johan Lange. The club has reinstated the former director after his ban from Italian football was resolved.

Spurs Confirm Fabio Paratici Verdict Two Years Post Global football Ban
Creator: Chris Brunskill | Credit: Getty Images

Fabio Paratici will return to Tottenham Hotspur as co-sporting director, joining Johan Lange in that capacity.

After an unsuccessful appeal against a 30-month ban from Italian football, Paratici resigned from Tottenham in April 2023 after two years there. According to a statement released by Tottenham, "We are thrilled to welcome the return of Fabio Paratici to the club as sporting director." Johan Lange, who was elevated to the position of sporting director, will collaborate with Fabio.

"This is a component of our men's football operation's new structure, which aims to improve long-term decision-making, teamwork, and leadership in all facets of the men's and boys' game.

"They will work together to steer our men's football strategy and usher in a bold new era for the team. The club's ongoing investment in top-tier men's and women's football infrastructure, which is intended to produce consistent on-field success, includes this progression.

"With their combined experience, Johan and Fabio will make sure that every choice—from player development and paths to scouting and recruitment—is in line with the ultimate objective of creating a successful, long-lasting men's squad.

"By bringing together two seasoned leaders with complementary backgrounds and a dedication to cooperation and creativity, this alliance demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to contemporary football operations."

"I am thrilled to be back in a club that I love," Paratici said, expressing his happiness at rejoining the group. After several months of consulting with Johan, Vinai, and Thomas, I am eager to return to London and become a full-time member of the team."

"I genuinely believe we are building something special here at Tottenham Hotspur, and I am looking forward to working with Fabio as part of our new men's football system," expressed Lange, who joined Tottenham in November 2023 after previously working at Aston Villa and FC Copenhagen.

"We can look forward with confidence and positivity because we have a talented group of staff and players here at the club," he continued.

Vinai Venkatesham, who was named the club's CEO in April 2025, emphasised the importance of the change: "This is a significant change in the way we do things.

"A sporting director nowadays has a lot of responsibility, and by bringing together two outstanding leaders in Johan and Fabio, we are laying the groundwork for long-term success.

"They both have excellent football minds, complementary specialities, and proven track records. Our goal and resolve to compete at the greatest level in order to provide for our fans are reflected in this structure.

"Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose together, creating not only a competitive men's team but also a cohesive football ecosystem where every element supports our common goal of making our club a world football standard."

CONOR GALLAGHER CONFIRMED AS "VITAL" STARTER FOR SPURS FOLLOWING BENTANCUR’S INJURY LAYOFF

Conor Gallagher proved the doubters wrong against Man City. Discover why his €40m move to Tottenham is finally paying off for Spurs.

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Conor Gallagher secured first Spurs assist as Tottenham snatched a point at City

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid both decided Conor Gallagher wasn’t worth the trouble. At Chelsea, he had his moments—Pochettino liked him, but the fans never really warmed up. When Chelsea shipped him off to Atletico, it made sense. Enzo Fernandez stepped up, took over Gallagher’s role, and fit in perfectly next to Caicedo, with Cole Palmer adding that extra spark up front.

Things didn’t get much better for Gallagher in Spain. He barely got a chance at Atleti, lost his spot in the starting eleven, and pretty much ended up on the transfer list before anyone had time to blink. Interest was lukewarm at best until the winter window rolled around. Aston Villa wanted him and went after him pretty aggressively, but then Tottenham swooped in late. Spurs needed someone to patch up the midfield after Bentancur’s injury, so they just paid up—40 million euros, no hesitation.

His start at Tottenham? Rough. Honestly, that was to be expected. He’d played well at Palace before, but after his struggles at Atleti, he needed time to adjust. Sitting on the bench in Spain didn’t do him any favours.

Then Gallagher showed up. People doubted whether he could really add creativity and move the ball forward for Spurs, so his early struggles got people worried. But then came the 2-2 draw against Manchester City. He suddenly looked like the player both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank were so desperate to sign.

Against City, Gallagher flipped the script. He set up a crucial assist, drove play forward on the dribble, and kept drawing fouls—everything the Spurs needed. Defensively, he was all over the place in a good way: two tackles, three interceptions, a full 90 minutes, and a huge part of the Spurs clawing their way back into the game.

Tottenham fans loved it. They saw the effort, the attitude, and the hunger to win. Gallagher just wouldn’t quit, and in that second half, he, Xavi Simons, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke ran the show. Four of those guys have been carrying Spurs lately, so Gallagher is fitting right in with them. That’s a pretty good sign he’s going to work out just fine in North London.

AC MILAN MEDICAL FAILURE: THE HIDDEN KNEE INJURY THAT CRUSHED MATETA’S £30M MOVE

Jean-Philippe Mateta's £30m move to AC Milan is OFF. Discover why a failed medical has put his France World Cup dreams in jeopardy.

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Mateta’s "dream move" suddenly turned toxic.

Jean Philippe-Mateta’s got a real headache right now. The Crystal Palace striker just watched his £30 million dream move to AC Milan blow up at the last minute, all because a knee problem showed up during his medical.

The thing is, Mateta’s been carrying this injury for a while. Now he’s stuck: should he go under the knife and try to recover in time for the World Cup? He wants to make the France squad this summer, but nothing’s guaranteed. Even if he has surgery, there’s no telling if he’ll be fit enough—or have enough time on the pitch—to convince Didier Deschamps he deserves a spot.

The injury’s been dragging him down anyway. It’s messing with his form and his game time, and he’s worried he won’t get a real shot at proving himself for France if he isn’t at his best.

It’s tough because he’s coming off a fantastic year at Palace. FA Cup winner, big goals, helped the club reach Europe—it’s been a dream run. But now he might have to go back to Selhurst Park, even though he’s made it clear he’s had enough and wants out.

Honestly, it feels like only a matter of time before he leaves. His contract runs out next summer, and Palace can’t risk losing him for nothing. They’ve already watched Marc Guehi go to Man City for a bargain, just because his deal was running down.

Now Mateta has to sit down with Palace and the doctors to figure out what to do about his knee. Surgery would sideline him for months, probably killing his World Cup chances.

He’s gutted about Milan falling through, especially after Juventus cooled their interest and Nottingham Forest had an offer turned down. Over the weekend, he even unfollowed Palace on Instagram and posted a fed-up emoji. No one really knows if he’ll even make the squad for the Brighton game.

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