advertisement

Japan coach Aguirre fired over Spain match-fixing claims

TOKYO (AP) - Japan coach Javier Aguirre was fired on Tuesday over concerns that allegations of his involvement in match-fixing will interfere with qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

Aguirre agreed it was unavoidable, Japan Football Association president Kuniya Daini said at a news conference

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 team's progress. But the prospect of legal problems made the JFA reconsider.

"We needed to avoid any risk of this affecting (the 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.

The JFA said it will move quickly to find a replacement, hopefully 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 about 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.

In this Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 photo, Japan coach Javier Aguirre, center, walks to a departure gate at Tokyo International Airport in Tokyo as he leaves for a vacation. Aguirre was fired on Tuesday, Feb. 3. 2015 over concerns that allegations of his involvement in match-fixing will interfere with qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Aguirre agreed it was unavoidable, Japan Football Association President Kuniya Daini said Tuesday at a news conference in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, CREDIT MANDATORY The Associated Press
Japan Football Association President Kuniya Daini speaks during a news conference at the JFA headquarters in Tokyo Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015. Japan coach Javier Aguirre was fired on Tuesday over concerns that allegations of his involvement in match-fixing will interfere with qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Aguirre agreed it was unavoidable, Daini said at the news conference. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, CREDIT MANDATORY The Associated Press
FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2014 photo, Japan's national soccer team coach Javier Aguirre reacts during a press conference at the Japan Football Association headquarters in Tokyo. The JFA head said Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 the body fired Aguirre over allegations he was involved in match-fixing. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File) The Associated Press
FILE - In this Jan. 12, 2015 file photo, Japan coach Javier Aguirre gestures to his players during the AFC Asia Cup soccer match between Japan and Palestine in Newcastle, Australia. The head of the Japan Football Association said Tuesday, Feb. 3 the body fired Aguirre over allegations he was involved in match-fixing. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File) The Associated Press
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.