A Sudden Exit and Legal Tensions
FC Fassell is facing a major upheaval after its head coach, Ivan Jacky Minnaert, unexpectedly resigned just three months after leading the club to its first Liberian Premier League title. The shock came when Minnaert was revealed to have joined Ugandan side Vipers SC only days later. This sudden move has sparked controversy and raised questions about professional conduct in football.
The club issued a strong statement condemning Minnaert’s resignation, which was communicated via WhatsApp. It described his departure as a breach of contract and a violation of professional ethics. The statement emphasized that the club had fulfilled all its contractual obligations in good faith. “This conduct undermines the laws of contract, football regulations, best practices, and the principles of professionalism that FC Fassell stands for,” it read.
Minnaert had signed a three-year deal with Fassell in April 2025. His abrupt exit has not only surprised the club but also disrupted its preseason preparations for continental competitions. The situation has left many wondering about the reasons behind his decision and whether negotiations were already underway before his resignation.
Legal Action Looms
In response to Minnaert’s actions, FC Fassell has taken initial steps to resolve the matter internally. However, the club warned that it may escalate the issue to relevant sporting bodies if a settlement cannot be reached. It has informed domestic and international football authorities, arguing that Minnaert's move to Vipers SC violates the terms of his still-active contract with Fassell.
While the club has not confirmed whether it will pursue legal action through the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber or the Court of Arbitration for Sport, it has made it clear that all legal avenues remain open. A senior club official, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of ongoing discussions, stated, “Coach Minnaert's actions show disregard for our efforts to build a professional club environment in Liberia. It's not just about FC Fassell—it's about upholding integrity in African football.”
A Coach with a Pan-African Legacy
Minnaert leaves Fassell on a high note, having led the club to its historic 2024-25 Liberian Premier League title. Fassell finished the season 11 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Heaven Eleven FC, and was praised for its tactical discipline and consistency under his leadership. However, his quick appointment at Vipers SC has fueled speculation that negotiations were already in progress before his resignation. The club sees this as further evidence of a breach of contract.
Despite the controversy, Minnaert has yet to speak publicly about his departure from Fassell. He cited "personal reasons" in his message to club officials announcing his resignation. While his tactical expertise is widely respected, the manner of his exit has drawn criticism, with some fans questioning the ethics of a coach walking away from a signed agreement without public explanation.
Moving Forward
Despite the disruption, FC Fassell remains committed to stability and progress. Club officials are currently in the process of identifying a new head coach and are focused on preparations for the CAF Champions League campaign. “We will continue to uphold the highest standards and safeguard the integrity of the game,” the club said. “FC Fassell is bigger than any one individual.”
The incident highlights the challenges faced by clubs in maintaining continuity and trust in the face of unexpected resignations. As the legal and administrative processes unfold, the football community will be watching closely to see how this dispute is resolved and what lessons can be learned.
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