Joe Lewis to return to Tottenham? Update emerges after stunning Donald Trump reveal
Tottenham’s ownership situation has been covered extensively over the past few months following several changes in north London.
There has been plenty of speculation surrounding a Tottenham takeover since former executive chairman Daniel Levy’s departure was confirmed in September.
A US consortium led by tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick made an approach to buy Spurs.
However, Tottenham responded to the takeover approach after releasing a statement insisting they had “unequivocally rejected” an informal expression of interest from Earick, who later confirmed he would not be making a formal bid.
ENIC owns an 86.91 per cent stake in Tottenham, while Levy and members of his family hold a 29.88 per cent share in the British investment company, and Joe Lewis’s family trust own the remaining 70.12 per cent.
How much did Joe Lewis pay to buy Tottenham?
Lewis purchased Sir Alan Sugar’s controlling stake in Tottenham for £22million in 2001.
ENIC was one of the first owners to explore the multi-club model after also investing in Rangers, Slavia Prague, AEK Athens and Vicenza more than two decades ago, but Spurs are now its sole interest within the sport.
Lewis handed over the ownership of Tottenham to his family trust in 2022, while he was fined £4m last year after pleading guilty to insider trading.
However, The Telegraph reported on Thursday (13 November) Lewis is set to receive an official pardon from US president Donald Trump.
The pardon is due to be published by the White House later today, but the newspaper confirmed the 88-year-old will not be making a return to Tottenham.
In a statement, Lewis said: “I am pleased all of this is now behind me, and I can enjoy retirement and watch as my family and extended family continue to build our businesses based on the quality and pursuit of excellence that has become our trademark.”
Who is in charge at Tottenham after leadership changes?
As part of the recent changes in north London, Tottenham appointed Peter Charrington as non-executive chairman following Levy’s departure.
Meanwhile, Vinai Venkatesham is leading the day-to-day operations after joining as CEO earlier this year.
Lewis’s daughter Vivienne, his son Charles and Nick Beucher, the husband of Vivienne’s daughter, are now also more actively involved in the running of the club.
Tottenham’s owners injected £100m into the club in the form of a new share issue last month.
It is understood the injection will largely cover the day-to-day operations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while some of the cash could go towards boosting Thomas Frank’s budget ahead of the January transfer window.
Spurs currently sit fifth in the Premier League table after 11 games.
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