Former Al Ahly SC head coach Jose Ribeiro has finally spoken following FIFA’s decision to fine the Egyptian giants more than one million dollars over his dismissal earlier this season.
Ribeiro, who was sacked by Al Ahly at the end of August after the club’s defeat to Pyramids FC in the league, sent a message to supporters through journalist Ahmed Shobeir, insisting he deliberately chose to remain silent out of respect for the club and its fans.
According to Shobeir, Ribeiro explained that since leaving Al Ahly, he had avoided speaking publicly about his short spell with the club for three main reasons: respect for Al Ahly itself, respect for the new technical staff, and respect for the supporters.
“We did not live together for a long time, and I had hopes and ambitions that have ended,” Ribeiro reportedly said in the message.
The former coach also stressed that despite receiving numerous media requests, he refused to discuss his experience publicly.
“As a coach who respects himself and the club I worked for, I refused more than 50 press interviews to talk about my time at Al Ahly. I respected everything,” he added.
Ribeiro further distanced himself from the ongoing legal dispute surrounding his dismissal, explaining that he handed the matter entirely to his lawyer.
“Regarding the termination of the contract, I told Al Ahly’s management, and I repeat, that I leave this matter to my lawyer. Therefore, I am not responsible for any statement that comes out of my mouth,” the former coach stated.
The controversy follows FIFA’s ruling ordering Al Ahly to pay compensation exceeding one million dollars after terminating Ribeiro’s contract only three months into his tenure.
The Spaniard had joined the club during the Club World Cup period but was dismissed shortly after the start of the domestic campaign following disappointing results.
