Confirmed: Pitso Mosimane terminates contract with Esteghlal FC

As earier reported by SABC Sport, the three-time CAF Champions League-winning coach has walked away from his job in the Persian Gulf Pro League after the club failed to pay the the entire South African technical team's salaries.

This followed the lapse of a 15-day window in which Esteghlal were given to settle the outstanding debts, in accordance with FIFA laws.

Mosimane's management team MT Sports on Wednesday morning confirmed the developments, and shared a statement relating to the parting of ways between the parties.

"Esteemed coach Pitso Mosimane has officially parted ways with Iranian topflight side Esteghlal FC, with immediate effect, due to unresolved issues regarding unpaid salaries owed to him and his technical team," read the statement.

"Despite numerous opportunities provided by MT Sports Marketing & Management, Coach Pitso's management team, to resolve the matter—starting with initial discussions with the former CEO of the club last year, followed by a formal default notice delivered on 1 January 2025—Esteghlal FC failed to address the issue.

"In good faith, Coach Pitso and the Technical Team extended a 15-day deadline as per the FIFA rules, to allow the new CEO and Board time to familiarize themselves with the situation and remedy the outstanding payments.

"However, the club did not resolve within the deadlines they set for themselves. Coach Pitso Mosimane and his technical team are still owed more than two months’ salaries."

This is the second club with which Mosimane is involved in a payment dispute, after Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ahli were also penalised by the world football governing body after they terminated his contract following their promotion to the Pro League in 2023.

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