Daniel Levy steps down as Tottenham chairman after 25 years in charge

Daniel Levy has stepped down as executive chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, bringing an end to nearly 25 years in charge of the North London club.

A source close to the Lewis family trust, which holds the majority stake in Spurs, revealed that the decision was driven by a desire for “more wins more often” as the club enters a “new era.”

Levy, the Premier League’s longest-serving chairman, first acquired a stake in Spurs from Lord Alan Sugar in December 2000.

Over his tenure, he oversaw the construction of both the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a state-of-the-art training complex, helping to transform the club into a global brand.

However, he also faced persistent criticism from supporters for perceived underinvestment in transfers and on-field success.

This summer, Levy appointed Thomas Frank as the new men’s manager and Martin Ho to lead the women’s side, following the departures of Ange Postecoglou and Robert Vilahamn.

During Levy’s reign, Spurs lifted the League Cup in 2008 and last season’s Europa League, while also reaching the Champions League final in 2019 under Mauricio Pochettino.

Levy’s Farewell

In a parting statement, Levy reflected on his legacy:

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees. We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me. It hasn’t always been an easy journey, but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Recent months have seen significant changes in the Spurs boardroom, with Vinai Venkatesham appointed CEO and Peter Charrington named the club’s first non-executive chairman.

A club statement confirmed there would be “no changes to the ownership or shareholder structure” despite Levy’s departure.

Legacy and Criticism

Levy often defended himself against accusations of meddling in footballing matters, insisting that transfer and selection decisions were always left to coaches and technical staff.

“People who have worked in this club and understand the workings of the football side know I do not interfere in decisions over players. The only way I get involved is once the coach and technical team decide on a player — then I do my very best for this football club.”

He also admitted that while protests and criticism from fans hurt, he shared in their frustrations.

“Of course it hurts, but their pain is also my pain. I want to win, and when we’re not playing well, I suffer too. It ruins my whole weekend.”

Levy highlighted last season’s Europa League triumph as the high point of his chairmanship.

“It has to be. When we came back and did the parade, the outpouring of emotion was amazing. It was nothing to do with money, it was about winning a trophy. It’s my proudest moment.”

End of an Era

Across Levy’s time in charge, Tottenham employed 17 managers, from George Graham to Mauricio Pochettino, José Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and most recently Ange Postecoglou, his successor, Thomas Frank, now shoulders the responsibility of delivering on-field success in this new chapter for Spurs.