Fired coach Halilhodzic sues Japan FA for one yen

Former Japan coach Vahid Halihdozic filed a lawsuit against the country’s Football Association (JFA), which he said defamed him.

The Franco-Bosnian coach was abruptly sacked by the JFA last month, prompting an angry reaction from his legal team, who criticised the decision as case of unlawful dismissal.

Hi attorney, Lionel Vincent, has demanded an explanation and an apology, as well as compensation of one yen.

Symbolic compensation

Rather than seeking a big payout, Halihodzic’s lawsuit calls for a symbolic compensation of one yen (US$0.0091).

‘It's not about money for Vahid,’ Vincent told AFP. ‘He got Japan to the World Cup and he doesn't want to be the black sheep who looks stupid. He's deeply hurt and feels betrayed.

‘President Tashima acted in violation of the JFA's governance rules, so we are seeking a formal apology.’

Kozo Tashima, President of the JFA, claimed at a press conference that Halilhodzic was fired because he lacked communications with and confidence among the team members.

Abruptly axed

Halihodzic was appointed coach of the Blue Samurai in March 2015 after leading Algeria to the last 16 at the 2014 World Cup.

He was axed after a string of disappointing friendlies, with the JFA appointing former technical director Akira Nishino as his replacement.

The 66-year-old coach claims that those matches – a 1-1 draw with Mali and a 2-1 loss to Ukraine – were used to look at young players and that the results were secondary.

At Russia, Japan will face Colombia, Senegal and Poland in Group H, starting their campaign against the South Americans on 19 June.