Pitso Mosimane’s Iran Move Sparks R1.25 Million Legal Battle as Football Agent Demands Payment

A legal dispute involving renowned South African football coach Pitso Mosimane has attracted attention following allegations that an Iranian football agent is still waiting for a commission linked to the coach’s move to Iranian club Esteghlal.

The dispute involves football agent Hamed Ghadiri and MT Sports Marketing and Management, the sports agency run by Mosimane’s wife, Moira Tlhagale. Ghadiri is claiming approximately R1.25 million, alleging that he played an important role in helping facilitate Mosimane’s appointment at the Iranian club in 2024.

According to court papers, Ghadiri claims that MT Sports authorised him to initiate discussions with Esteghlal in October 2024 regarding the possibility of bringing Mosimane and his technical team to Iran.

He alleges that his involvement helped secure an employment offer from the club, which eventually led to Mosimane signing a contract on 18 October 2024.

At the centre of the disagreement is an alleged agreement concerning an agent’s commission. Ghadiri claims that he was entitled to receive $75,000, representing 75% of the $100,000 agent fee expected from Esteghlal.

However, MT Sports and Tlhagale dispute important parts of his claim, particularly the extent of the authority given to him during negotiations.

Their court response reportedly acknowledges that Ghadiri introduced Mosimane to the Iranian club but argues that his responsibility was limited to establishing whether Esteghlal was interested in the coach. They dispute that he had authority to negotiate the employment contract or conclude financial arrangements on behalf of the agency.

The agency also maintains that the commission payment depended on receiving the agreed agent fee from Esteghlal. It claims that the Iranian club failed to pay the money, meaning MT Sports did not receive the funds from which Ghadiri expected to be compensated.

Another important aspect of the dispute involves an alleged WhatsApp exchange in which Ghadiri claims Mosimane assured him that payment would be handled by his wife.

The disagreement has now become a legal matter, with the Johannesburg High Court proceedings bringing attention to the financial arrangements behind international football appointments.

Mosimane’s move to Esteghlal initially attracted interest because of his reputation and experience at major clubs. However, his spell in Iran ended in January 2025 following a separate dispute over unpaid salaries.

The commission dispute highlights the complicated financial relationships that can emerge between football agents, coaches and management agencies during international transfers and appointments.

Ultimately, the court will have to consider the competing claims and determine whether Ghadiri is legally entitled to the commission he is demanding.

Source:https://x.com/SundayTimesZA/status/2116733582421131576?s=19

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