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Japan football fires national coach Javier Aguirre
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THE Japan Football Association has fired national coach Javier Aguirre over concerns that allegations of his involvement in match-fixing will interfere with Japan's World Cup qualification.
JFA President Kuniya Daini made the announcement at a news conference Tuesday saying Aguirre was informed of the decision and agreed that it was unavoidable.
Former Mexico coach Aguirre became embroiled in a massive match-fixing probe launched by Spain's state prosecutor in the Spanish league. Aguirre denies any wrongdoing.
"What we had to consider the most was the impact on the Japanese team," Daini said. "With a criminal complaint accepted, he would have to respond to an investigation, he would be possibly indicted and then may have to go to court."
Daini supported Aguirre after Japan was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup, saying he was pleased with the progress Japan made under the former Mexico coach. But the prospect of legal problems made the JFA reconsider.
"We needed avoid any risk of this affecting (the Japan team) in the Asian preliminary (World Cup qualifiers)," Daini said. "So we have reached a decision to cancel our contract with coach Aguirre."
Mexican-born Aguirre was hired in August to replace Alberto Zaccheroni of Italy as Japan coach.
The JFA said it will move quickly to find a replacement for Aguirre, hoping to fill the job before the team plays several matches in late March.
"I was very happy to have worked in Japan," Aguirre said in a statement released by the JFA. "I want to wish the team and the supporters the best of luck."
Spanish media reports say authorities in Spain are moving to prosecute Aguirre and some 30 others on suspicion of fixing a league game against Levante when Aguirre managed the Zaragoza club in May 2011. Zaragoza won 2-1 at Levante, saving the club from relegation.
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