Charlotte's MLS expansion franchise is bringing in the New Year with a new hire, announcing Tuesday that the club has brought on Zoran Krneta as its Sporting Director.
Krneta will officially assume the post when his work permit is approved by the United States government, at which point he will become the first member of Charlotte's technical staff ahead of the club's 2021 MLS launch.
"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," Tepper Sports and Entertainment president Tom Glick said in a club release. "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."
Zoran comes to Charlotte with experience as the co-founder of the global scouting network Star Sports & Entertainment that has placed players on rosters in MLS, the English Premier League, La Liga and Serie A. MLS players he's been credited with identifying prior to their moves to the league include New York City FC striker Heber and former Chicago Fire FC man and 2017 Golden Boot Winner Nemanja Nikolic.
Additional members of Charlotte's soccer operations team are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
