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Japan Football Association fires national coach Javier Aguirre amid match-fixing allegations

Javier Aguirre: Fired from the Japan coaching post over match-fixing allegations
Image: Javier Aguirre: Fired from the Japan coaching post over match-fixing allegations

The Japan Football Association has fired national coach Javier Aguirre following allegations he was involved in match-fixing during his time in Spain.

Former Mexico coach Aguirre is embroiled in a Spanish league match-fixing probe launched by Spain's state prosecutor but denies any wrongdoing.

Kuniya Daini, president of the JFA, said: "What we had to consider the most was the impact on the Japanese team.

"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.

"We needed avoid any risk of this affecting (the Japan team) in the Asian preliminary (World Cup qualifiers). So we have reached a decision to cancel our contract with coach Aguirre."

Aguirre, 56, added: "I was very happy to have worked in Japan. I want to wish the team and the supporters the best of luck."

Spanish media reports say authorities are moving to prosecute Aguirre, who managed Real Zaragoza, and some 30 others on suspicion of fixing a league game against Levante in May 2011.

               

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