January 8 – Serbia’s Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) has reacted angrily to reports that the club is to be sued by former coach Barak Bahar (pictured) over unpaid wages.
The Serbian club said it is still paying Bahar a salary, even though he no longer works at the club and that the Israeli coach will receive his monthly salary until he signs a professional contract with another club.
Bahar’s contract was due to expire in 2026, but was unilaterally terminated in December 2023 after a run of poor results.
Israeli media reported that Bahar and his assistant Guy Sarfati had sent a letter to UEFA saying that Red Star owed them money and that they were wrongfully dismissed.
Bahar was appointed head coach of Red Star in 2023, signing a three-year contract worth nearly €3 million. The annual salary of the Israeli coach amounted to €900,000.
Red Star reacted instantly and released a message denying the reports of a dispute between the two parties and that they will continue to pay Bahar a salary until he signs a contract with another club.
“Regarding certain media reports regarding a potential dispute between Barak Bahar and Crvena zvezda, we inform the public that all allegations are incorrect. Crvena zvezda and Barak Bahar parted ways on good terms and there is no talk of any lawsuits between the club and the former coach.
“The contract is clear and we know our obligations according to FIFA regulations. According to the signed contract, Crvena zvezda will pay the former coach monthly salaries until Barak Bahar signs a contract with another club. Nothing more than that
“So-called penalties and compensations do not exist, as well as a misunderstanding with the former coach, so such media allegations can only be a malicious attempt at media speculation.
“The lawyers of the former coach unnecessarily reminded us of Red Star’s obligations towards him, because we spoke about that topic publicly the day after the dismissal of Barak Bahar, and there is no need to give it any further media attention. FC Crvena zvezda operates transparently and with this announcement we put an end to that topic,” concluded the club statement.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1731617288labto1731617288ofdlr1731617288owedi1731617288sni@o1731617288fni1731617288