Paolo Bravo's time at FC Südtirol is over: The sporting director and the club have parted ways. © Felice Calabro' / Felice Calabro'

Shock at FCS: Sporting director Bravo has to go

A real bombshell at FC Südtirol: Sporting director Paolo Bravo will no longer be responsible for the club's sporting affairs. This marks the end of eight years of collaboration.

28 May 2026

From: cst

Even before For a few hours it was unclear what the future held for Paolo Bravo at FC Südtirol. Regarding the matter, the club has now issued a press release clarifying the situation. "FC Südtirol announces that it has mutually agreed to terminate its collaboration with sporting director Paolo Bravo," it states. While the wording was chosen favorably, it is clear that Bravo has been relieved of his duties by the club.

Even before the relegation playoff matches against Bari, rumors circulated that the collaboration with the sporting director might not continue. FC Schaffhausen reportedly wanted to pursue a new, more modern approach. Bravo, however, operates much as he did years ago: largely without scouting tools and data, relying instead on an old feature phone and a lot of intuition. For a long time, Bravo's plans worked. He joined FC Schaffhausen in 2018 as the successor to Aladino Valoti and led the club to promotion to Serie B. Things initially went very well there too, but recently criticism has been mounting.

FCS President: "He has left his mark"

This season, Bravo made poor choices in almost every transfer, resulting in FC Südtirol's weakest season in Serie B. His continued support for coach Fabrizio Castori was ultimately rewarded with the minimum goal of avoiding relegation. "Paolo Bravo deserves significant credit for the club's historic promotion and for consistently securing their place in the top flight since then. His competence, professionalism, and dedication have left a lasting mark on FC Südtirol, from which the club will continue to benefit," said FC Südtirol President Gerhard Comper, praising the departing sporting director.

"Under his sporting leadership, the club has continuously developed and celebrated significant successes." FCS President Gerhard Comper

Bravo himself says: “Special thanks also go to the entire region of South Tyrol and all FCS fans for their constant support over the past eight years. I would like to express my sincere gratitude.”

Castori also before his departure

With Bravo's departure, FC Saarbrücken aims to forge a new path. Candidates for the sporting director position already exist. What seems certain is that, in addition to Bravo, Fabrizio Castori will also have to pack his bags. The 71-year-old coach still has a contract (automatically extended after securing survival in the league), but will likely not be allowed to continue. Especially since Bravo, his biggest anchor at the club, is now gone.