Football
Adrianna Garcia 4y

Malaga sack Sanchez del Amo amid sexually explicit video scandal

Spanish second division club Malaga have sacked coach Victor Sanchez del Amo four days after his suspension following the sexually explicit video of him that appeared on social media.

A club statement said: "Malaga CF has used best endeavours to attempt to resolve the situation amicably through intense negotiations with Víctor Sanchez del Amo. However, despite the ongoing and incessant efforts undertaken by the Club, it has not been possible to reach a friendly separation.

"As such, MCF has made the decision to dismiss Víctor Sanchez del Amo due to disciplinary reasons, in accordance with the applicable regulations. MCF has made the decision, taking into account the serious damage caused to the institution by the recent events, aiming to minimise the impact on the team and the entire MCF organisation."

Sanchez del Amo claimed on Twitter that a crime had been committed against his privacy and said that he had been a victim of harassment and blackmail before the video was posted on the internet.

Malaga's police cyber crime unit has been investigating the incident while the club initially decided to suspend the 43-year-old until a full investigation was completed.

The former Real Madrid midfielder, who took the Malaga reins in April 2019, nearly led the team to promotion last season. The club was third in the second tier but was then eliminated in the first round of the play-offs. Sanchez del Amo's rapport with club owner Sheikh Al-Thani has been tense since sporting director Jose Luis Caminero was sacked earlier this season.

Malaga have struggled due to financial constraints and were unable to register forward Shinji Okazaki, despite having signed him last summer, because it would breach the club's La Liga-imposed salary cap.

Malaga are 16th in the second division table after 22 matches, a point above the relegation zone heading into Tuesday's home game against Ponferradina.

"Until a new coach is named, [reserves coach] Sergio Pellicer will act as first team coach and will direct the upcoming matches," the club statement added.

Malaga have been unable to field a full match day squad at times due to financial constraints, with just five players on the bench for a league game in October.

Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been supportive of Sanchez del Amo and said earlier this week "the doors of the federation would be open to him" if he was sacked.

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