Charlotte MLS team hires Zoran Krneta as sporting director

Charlotte’s new Major League Soccer franchise has made its first hire: Zoran Krneta will be the team’s sporting director.

Krneta will essentially serve as the team’s general manager. According to a news release from the team, Krneta will direct on-field operations, recruit coaches and professional support staff, identify and sign players for the MLS roster and create a youth development academy and related youth player initiatives.

“This is a hugely exciting time for Charlotte and I am thrilled to be part of this new MLS club,” Krneta said in a statement. “(Team owner) David Tepper’s vision, together with the knowledge and expertise of the technical and executive team we are assembling, demonstrate that our goal will be to compete for the MLS Cup title starting from year one.”

According to the news release, Krneta has placed players on rosters of clubs in MLS, England’s Premier League and Championship, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A.

Krneta’s global scouting network discovered players like Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic, Andriy Lunin and Lazio’s Sergej Milinković-Savić.

“We have been preparing for several months in anticipation of being awarded an MLS expansion franchise,” Tom Glick, president of Tepper Sports and Entertainment, said in a statement. “Zoran is the executive we sought to lead us in our pursuit of building a consistently high-performing team, including winning in our first season. We are delighted to confirm his appointment and also to have him on the case immediately as we begin our journey.

“Zoran is a highly talented soccer professional and leader who will help us build a club that identifies and attracts talent from around the world to join us in Charlotte while also investing in the development of young players in our home here in the Carolinas.”

According to the release, Krneta’s sports agency has brokered and negotiated contracts for more than 150 soccer players across the globe, including England international John Stones’ move to Everton and on to Manchester City.

Krneta will begin work with the Charlotte team when the U.S. government approves his work permit.

Charlotte’s MLS team will begin play in 2021 in Bank of America Stadium.

This story was originally published December 31, 2019 at 3:22 PM.