The whole thing only lasted 30 seconds
Spectacular resignation of national coaches
11.09.2025 – 12:14 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
Something like that is rare even in the crazy football business. A national coach who resigns – and needs less than a minute.
Six games, one victory, five defeats – and then that: Ali Aliev is no longer a national coach of Kazakhstan. The 44-year-old resigned from his office after the clear 0: 6 defeat in the World Cup qualification in group favorite Belgium. A spectacular and unique resignation.
Because shortly after the final whistle, Aliev threw in a 30-second appearance. He briefly explained to those present at the press conference why it was enough. After six games as a national coach overall: two as interim coaches, four as head coach.
Aliev: “Good evening. I would like to express it clearly, I take everything that happened. The defeat too. The players do not blame. I take all the responsibility on me and will immediately sign and step down the papers as soon as we have arrived at home. I will inform the president and the management. Thank you very much.”
That’s it. The Kazakh journalists present are said to have applauded Aliev and congratulated on his decision. After five games in the World Cup qualification group J, Kazakhstan is only in fourth place with three points. The only win so far was against Liechtenstein (2-0). The chances of participating in the World Cup are only theoretical nature.