DUBAI, June 19 (Reuters) - Javier Aguirre, who was fired by Japan in February because of his alleged involvement in a match-fixing investigation, has returned to management with United Arab Emirates club Al-Wahda.
The Mexican replaces Saudi Arabian Sami Al Jaber, whose contract was not renewed after the club's fourth-placed finish in the Arabian Gulf League last month.
"Aguirre has signed a one-year extendable contract," Al-Wahda board member Jamal Mohammed Al Hosani was quoted as saying by the National.
"The new coach is a great asset for the club as he has vast experience and a successful record as a coach."
Aguirre was at the helm when defending champions Japan made a surprise quarter-final exit to the UAE in January's Asian Cup and was removed as boss the following month over fears a match-fixing case could affect their World Cup qualifying campaign.
In December, Aguirre and 40 others were named in an alleged case of match-fixing involving a game between Real Zaragoza and Levante in Spain in the 2010-11 season.
Zaragoza, then coached by Aguirre, won 2-1 at Levante on the final day to avoid relegation.
Prosecutors allege that the Levante players were paid a total of 965,000 euros ($1.1 million) to deliberately lose the game. Aguirre, who has also coached Mexico at two World Cups, denies any wrongdoing.
($1 = 0.8791 euros)
(Writing by Patrick Johnston in Singapore; Editing by Peter Rutherford) ((patrick.johnston@thomsonreuters.com; +65 6775 5088; Reuters Messaging: patrick.johnston.reuters.com@reuters.net.))
Keywords: SOCCER ASIA/EMIRATES AGUIRRE
