As reported by KickOff on Tuesday, Pitso Mosimane has officially parted ways with Esteghlal FC with immediate effect.
After not receiving his wages for two months, sources suggested that the South African tactician had given the club until the end of Tuesday to meet their financial obligations to the head coach and his staff, or he would vacate his role.
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The former Al Ahly coach's management agency MT Sports confirmed his departure in a statement.
"Esteemed coach Pitso Mosimane has officially parted ways with Iranian topflight side Esteghlal FC, with immediate effect, due to unresolved issues regarding unpaid salaries owed to him and his technical team," the statement read.
"This difficult decision comes after extensive efforts to address the matter. Despite numerous opportunities provided by MT Sports Marketing Management, Coach Pitso's management team, to resolve the matter-starting with initial discussions with the former CEO of the club last year, followed by a formal default notice delivered on 1 January 2025-Esteghlal FC failed to address the issue.
"In good faith, Coach Pitso and the Technical Team extended a 15-day deadline as per the FIFA rules, to allow the new CEO and Board time to familiarize themselves with the situation and remedy the outstanding payments.
"However, the club did not resolve within the deadlines they set for themselves. Coach Pitso Mosimane and his technical team are still owed more than two months' salaries.
"Coach Pitso deeply appreciated the players, whose commitment and talent made every challenge worthwhile. Esteghlal FC remains a contender for the AFC Champions League, with the highlight being the draw against the star-studded Al Ahli FC in Saudi Arabia, also a former team of Coach Mosimane, which he assisted in promoting back to the Saudi Pro League.
"Esteghlal FC currently sits 11th on the Persian Gulf Pro League log standings. In the 10 league games of the Pro League, under Coach Mosimane's leadership, the famed Iranian club had lost only three league fixtures.
"They have also been able to qualify the team for the next round of the Iranian Cup.The passionate support of the Esteghlal fans inspired Coach Pitso and made the South African technical team, consisiting of Maahier Davids, Musi Matlaba, Kabelo Rangoaga and Kyle Soloomon, confident of the club's success this season.
"Moving forward, the appropriate processes will be followed to resolve this matter. Coach Pitso remains committed to the values of football excellence and looks forward to pursuing new opportunities to continue contributing to the game."
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The 60-year-old was appointed as the side's manager in October last year and lifted them from the relegation battle they were embroiled in, guiding them to 11th place on the table at the time of his departure.