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Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic, aka Micho, has spoken out about his contract with the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) after the national team failed to qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking in an interview with South African publication iDiski, the former Orlando Pirates coach revealed that FUFA is analyzing what decision to take.
"It is up to them (FUFA) to decide," he said regarding his future before adding.
"Analysis is supposed to be done, and the decision is supposed to be made [soon]. It is an issue that is purely in the hands of the Uganda Football Federation, and I have nothing else to say except I'm soldiering on as the servant of the African football game, Ugandan football."
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Micho added that he was surprised by Algeria failing to beat Tanzania in their home game.
"If I had not won this last match, I would myself step aside. But bearing in mind that I had won, it is that surprising draw of Tanzania against Algeria that is the one that put us out."
"Surprise that Algeria did not beat Tanzania at home also played an important role, and I will not comment further because I know what has happened behind the scenes."
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Other than Algeria's failure to give Cranes a favor, Micho also noted that the lack of sports infrastructure forced Uganda Cranes to host home games in foreign territory, costing the national team's chances.
"Our fortress, the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, was not ready for hosting matches because of renovation," explained Micho.
"That factor of player number 12, our supporters, was felt as we missed that one point that was needed."
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Micho returned for his second stint in charge of the Uganda Cranes and signed a three-year contract in July 2021, succeeding Abdallah Mubiru, who served as an interim coach after Jonathan McKinstry's departure.
Earlier, Pulse Uganda Sports reported that Micho appears set to continue in his role despite growing calls for his removal from fans and critics.
His reported monthly earnings of around USD 25,000 [approximately UGX 93.4 million] complicate FUFA's decision over the matter.
If FUFA decides to terminate his contract prematurely, they would be liable to pay the full amount of his wages for the remainder of the contract, which could go up to USD 225,000 [approximately UGX 832 million].
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20:03 - 09.09.2023
FOOTBALL Micho to continue as Uganda Cranes coach
Despite the controversy surrounding Micho's tenure, early indications show that he will stay on as Uganda Cranes coach through upcoming challenges on the international stage including the CHAN and 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
There is also a significant severance fee due to Micho if his contract is cut short. Furthermore, Micho's contract includes a clause that allows for an extension beyond the initial three years, but such an extension would need to be activated by the federation.
Performance-related clauses also provide FUFA with a safety net in case of contract termination, potentially reducing the total payout.
FUFA President Moses Magogo previously indicated that the federation would evaluate Micho's performance once Uganda's fate in the AFCON qualification was determined.
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