Visa row

Paraguayan coaches call for Maldini's dismissal

ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) -- Paraguay's soccer coaches union called Thursday for national team coach Cesare Maldini to be expelled from the country, alleging the Italian was working illegally.

Dario Nunez, president of the Association of Paraguayan Football Coaches, told journalists he had written to the country's immigration authorities demanding that Maldini and several others coaches be expelled.

"I presented a note ... asking for the expulsion of Maldini from the country for having entered with a tourist visa but, in the end, signing a work contract for six months, worth US$750,000," Nunez said.

Maldini, the former coach of the Italian national team, was picked in December to lead Paraguay in the upcoming World Cup in Japan and Korea. His appointment was strongly opposed by many local coaches.

Responding to the charge, the Paraguayan soccer association (APF) said Maldini had been granted a working visa in January and was therefore perfectly entitled to work in the country.

"The accusation does not have any basis in Maldini's case," said APF Vice President Antonio Colman.

Maldini is expected to leave Paraguay for Italy on Sunday to prepare for his team's upcoming friendly in Europe

Paraguay faces Slovenia, Spain and South Africa in the first round of the World Cup.

 

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