FIFA has ordered Venezuela to pay almost $3 million to Argentine José Pekermana in compensation following his dismissal as national team coach in March 2023.
The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) will "pay" Pekerman $1.71 million as "due remuneration", plus 5% annual interest from 23 August 2023 until the debt is paid off and a $1.14 million "penalty", according to a Fifa court decision dated 6 November and released today.
After 15 months at the helm of the Venezuelan selection, the 74-year-old Pekerman left the country on the eve of the start of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. According to the Venezuelan press, he was fired after "irregularities" in the management of Pascual Lezcano, the coach's right-hand man.
The arrival of the former Colombia and Argentina coach had raised many expectations in Venezuela, the only Conmebol country to have never qualified for a World Cup.
Three-time world champion with Argentina under 20, Pekerman succeeded the Portuguese José Peseiro, who resigned due to a 14-month salary debt which was then paid.
Pekerman was replaced by one of his assistants and compatriot Fernando'Bocha'Batista.
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