May 2, 2019 – The SAIPA football team fired its head coach Ali Daei on May 1, a day after he criticized the club’s management for not fulfilling its financial obligations. Mr. Daei is a former captain of the Iran national football team. He also played as a striker for the German premier league (Bundesliga) Bayern Munich and Hertha BSC.
“All of those involved in professional sports, including the clubs’ management, players and coaches, must follow the established rules and guidelines of their respective sport. Violating these protocols creates conflict and poses serious challenges to a football club,” a statement by SAIPA said.
“Despite previous warnings, Mr. Daei continued to disrespect the SAIPA automaker and a large segment of its hardworking employees. His recent actions coincided with International Workers’ Day on May 1, which further offended our workforce who are the true owners of SAIPA industries. The club’s management has, therefore, ended Mr. Daei’s contract and fired him.”
The club has named Ebrahim Sadeghi as the interim technical coach of the team.
Industrial Development & Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO) is the main shareholder of the SAIPA automaker, which owns the football club. The company’s other subsidiaries are Pars Khodro, SAIPA Diesel, SAIPA Glass, Kashan SAIPA, Mega Motor Co., Saipa Logistics Transport Co.
[Translated from Persian by Fardine Hamidi]
