Scolari takes over Uzbeki flagship side Bunyodkor

Former World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari took over Uzbekistan league leaders and AFC Champions League quarter-finalists Bunyodkor, local media reported on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old, who led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, and was sacked by Chelsea in February, signed an 18-month deal with the Uzbeki flagship side, which was earlier managed by his compatriot Zico.

No financial details of the deal were disclosed.

“Uzbekistan’s football is now creating its successful history,” local media quoted Scolari as saying.

“Bunyodkor as a part of the country’s football has performed impressively in the last four years,” he added. “The side is directed by very responsible people and it definitely has bright prospects.”

The Uzbeki football federation also announced that they were expecting Scolari to coordinate the management of the national youth football academy, which was recently founded in Tashkent.