Dubai: Claims in the Argentine press that Diego Maradona is due $17 million (Dh62.4 million) in compensation from Al Wasl have been denied by a source at the club, local Arabic press has reported.
Maradona was sacked last Tuesday mid-way through a two-year contract following a negative technical review for the 2011/12 season.
The club had finished eighth in the league and without silverware in domestic and regional cup competitions.
Maradona has told Argentine press that he remains coach until the end of his contract next season, unless he receives $17 million in compensation from his former employers.
A club source, speaking on condition of anonymity told the Arabic press: “A formal contract between club and coach is with the UAE Football Association. It stipulates that if his contract is terminated in the second year of his contract he will receive compensation of two months salary, at Dh1.6 million only. Because the monthly salary provided in the formal contract is Dh800,000 only.”
The source added: “Rumours in the Argentine press are unfounded. We are committed to the official contract signed between both parties and we ended the contract in a friendly and civilised manner. If he has a contract that confirms his right to US$17 million he should reveal it to the public.”
Meanwhile, Maradona has been linked to a sensational managerial return to his old club Boca Juniors. Boca’s Vice-President Juan Carlos Crespi said: “Why couldn’t he [Maradona] be coach of Boca?”
“He is a hero of the club and has coached the national team. Everybody loves him and it’s important that we listen to our fans.”
The statement threatens to de-stabilise current Boca coach Julio Cesar Falcioni.
