NEW DELHI: Andrey Chernyshov resigned as head coach of Mohammedan Sporting on Wednesday, citing unpaid wages going back three months. The Russian tactician, who guided Mohammedan Sporting to the I-League title last season, announced his departure with a post on social media.
“My dear friends, fans of the club. Today is a very sad day for me. I am forced to step down as head coach of MSC and my contract has been terminated for failure to fulfil the terms by the club. Circumstances force me to make this difficult decision. This is the most difficult and sad decision in my coaching career,” Chernyshov wrote on Instagram.
“As a professional, I cannot work for 3 months without receiving a salary. I will not now talk about the difficulties that we, the players, coaches and staff had to overcome this season. I have never been afraid of difficulties and always came out to you and journalists when you wanted to talk to me. But this cannot continue. I made this decision with tears in my eyes. But all the blame for this lies with the club’s management, which did not fulfill the terms of the contract.”
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A senior official from Mohammedan Sporting SC told TimesofIndia.com, “We received news from another source that Chernyshov had lodged a complaint with FIFA regarding the club’s financial situation and player wage issues without informing us. However, we have not received any official notice from FIFA regarding the matter.”
It is believed that the club currently does not have any plans to appoint a new head coach. For the time being, assistant coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo will step in as the interim manager.
Suggesting that a meeting with club shareholders, Bunkerhill and Shrachi Group, is yet to be held, the official further clarified, “This coach was brought in by Bunkerhill. Shrachi Group and Mohammedan SC played no role in his hiring. Now, all stakeholders will convene to determine how to settle the coach’s pending dues.”
TimesofIndia.com understands that the club management was displeased with Chernyshov’s handling of the financial crisis.
While players refused to train due to unpaid wages, it is learned that Chernyshov opted to remain inside his room rather than encouraging the squad to take to the field.
Playing their debut ISL season, Mohammedan Sporting have won only two matches and drawn five, currently sitting at the bottom of the league table. Amid this brouhaha, the Kolkata-based club next face city rivals Mohun Bagan on February 1.