Japan sack Aguirre over match-fixing

The Japan Football Association (JFA) has confirmed the sacking of national team Coach Javier Aguirre.

It follows allegations he was involved in match-fixing during his time in Spain, with the authorities moving to prosecute Aguirre and some 30 others over a League game between Levante and Real Zaragoza in May 2011.

JFA President Kuniya Daini issued a statement regarding the 56-year-old’s dismissal.

“What we needed to consider mostly was the impact this would have on the Japanese team. With a criminal complaint accepted he would have had to respond to an investigation and would possibly be indicted.

“He may then have had to go to court and we needed to avoid any risk of this affecting the team in the Asian preliminary World Cup qualifiers.

“Therefore, we have reached a decision to cancel our contract with Coach Aguirre,” he explained.

Former Mexico, Atletico Madrid, Espanyol, Zaragoza and Osasuna boss Aguirre also had a few words to say.

“I was very happy to have worked in Japan. I want to wish the team and supporters the best of luck,” he added.

Tags Aguirre Japan Japan Football Association
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