Following Pitso Mosimane's decision to leave Esteghlal FC due to financial issues, the club has claimed that the settlement of the R1.4 million owed to the South African has been paid.
In a statement released by the Iranian giants, the club refuted claims that Mosimane's exit was solely due to unpaid wages, suggesting other factors contributed to his decision to walk away.
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After not receiving his wages for two months, sources suggested that the South African tactician had given the club until Tuesday to meet their financial obligations to the head coach and his staff.
When they were unable to do so, the former Al Ahly coach decided to part ways with the club. However, the side released a statement to Iranian press confirming that their debt to the 60-year-old has now been settled.
"Esteghlal has fulfilled all its financial obligations to Mosimane. The club has fully honoured all contractual payments to Mr. Mosimane," the statement read.
"The remaining $81 000 (R1.4 million) was settled last night, exactly one day after a new bank account was opened in Dubai, using international financial channels."
Although, the club claimed that the manager's decision to leave was not solely due to not receiving his wages on time.
"It is evident that such a small outstanding amount in a long-term contract was not the real reason behind his sudden departure.
"Instead, factors such as fan dissatisfaction over poor performances, the rejection of several transfer requests in the winter window, and the likelihood of his contract not being renewed at the end of the season may have played a role in his decision."
The statement released by the Persian Gulf Pro League outfit was in response to a fake interview released by Iranian outlet FFA, which claimed that Mosimane said: "I didn't know this team at all, and I only accepted the job because of the good financial offer.
"But my time at this club ruined my resume because the team wasn't at a high level."
In reply, the club expressed dissatisfaction towards what they thought the South African had stated.
"The claims he has made are regrettable and disappointing to anyone familiar with professional and ethical principles.
"Nevertheless, the management of Esteghlal FC aims to address this matter through legal channels and avoid unnecessary distractions.
However, multiple sources have refuted the authenticity of the interview, with some suggesting it was fabricated to stir tension.
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