Al Ahly Awaits Koller’s Next Move to End $3.5M Clause Dispute
Al Ahly still paying Koller, awaits his move to Al Hilal to stop payments.
Al Ahly Still Committed to Paying Koller’s Salary
A source inside Al Ahly has revealed the club’s current position regarding the salary of former head coach Marcel Koller, following the recent termination of his contract.
The source confirmed that Al Ahly continues to transfer Koller’s salary regularly, based on the terms of their agreement, which was originally set to run until the end of the 2025–2026 season, despite the coach’s early departure.
FIFA Regulations Clarify Legal Obligations
According to the same source, FIFA regulations distinguish between players and coaches when contracts are terminated.
While clubs are obligated to pay the full contract value for players, they are only responsible for covering a coach’s compensation until he joins a new club. If Koller takes over at another team—such as Sudan’s Al Hilal—he would no longer be entitled to the remaining value of his severance from Al Ahly.
Al Hilal Emerges as a Potential Destination for Koller
Marcel Koller has been linked with a move to manage Al Hilal SC in the upcoming season, as the Sudanese club seeks a high-profile European coach.
This interest comes after a successful spell at Al Ahly, where Koller won 11 titles over three seasons before departing following the team’s elimination in the CAF Champions League semi-finals against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Al Ahly Negotiates to Reduce Severance Payout
Although Koller continues to receive his salary, Al Ahly has entered negotiations with the Swiss coach in hopes of reaching a financial settlement to reduce the outstanding severance—estimated at around $3.5 million, covering the period from his departure until June 2026.
These discussions aim to ease the club’s financial burden as it prepares for the new season under new head coach José Ribeiro.
Koller Departs, El-Nahhas Secures League Title
Following Koller’s departure at the end of last season, Amad El-Nahhas temporarily took over and led Al Ahly to their 45th Egyptian Premier League title.
Subsequently, the club appointed Spanish coach José Ribeiro to take charge ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, marking a new chapter in Al Ahly’s pursuit of stability and progress.
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