Daniel Levy’s 24-year spell as Tottenham executive chairman has come to an end, with the club confirming his immediate departure.
While Spurs announced Levy had “stepped down,” BBC Sport understands the decision was forced by ownership, who felt new leadership could deliver greater success on the pitch.
Levy, 63, was appointed in March 2001 and leaves just months after Tottenham lifted the Europa League to claim their first trophy in 17 years. Despite that triumph, a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season and mounting supporter unrest made his position increasingly fragile.
The longest-serving chairman in the division, Levy presided over a period of huge transformation. He drove the move from White Hart Lane to the £1bn Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2019, established a state-of-the-art training ground and positioned the club as one of Europe’s richest through commercial growth. He earned an estimated £50m during his tenure but endured fierce criticism from fans, who last season displayed banners reading “Our game is about glory, Levy’s game is about greed.”
In his farewell statement, Levy said he was “incredibly proud” of what had been achieved, pointing to Spurs’ global stature and the community built around the club. He added that he would continue to support Tottenham passionately.
Levy’s exit follows the sacking of Ange Postecoglou in the summer after a poor league campaign. Thomas Frank is now head coach, while former Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has been installed as Spurs’ new CEO.
Peter Charrington, a director of owners Enic and part of the Tavistock Group controlled by the Lewis family, has been named non-executive chairman in a newly created role. Charrington praised Levy’s service and said Tottenham was entering a new era of stability.
During Levy’s tenure, Spurs reached the 2019 Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino but fell short against Liverpool. More recently, their financial discipline and revenue from the new stadium have made them one of the Premier League’s most profitable clubs.
The club remain ambitious, having invested around £181m on summer signings including Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus.
Tottenham currently sit fourth in the Premier League after three matches of the new season.