World Cup winning manager joins the prestigious Uzbek League

Last summer, an Uzbek side named PFC Kuruvchi tried to make us believe they had signed Samuel Eto’o, and then raised a few eyebrows when they invited Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol to train with them.

Since then, PFC have changed their name to FC Bunyodkor (to reflect their professionalism on the pitch, apparently), and acquired the services of 37-year-old World Cup cheat Rivaldo (for a ridiculous £80,000 a week) and manager Zico.

Zico departed for CKSA Moscow in January, leaving the head coach’s position wide open. According to the Brazilian press, Luiz Felipe Scolari has stepped up and signed an 18-month contract with the club.

Scolari explained to Globoesporte that he took the job in light of Bunyodkor’s impressive training facilities and stadium plans (their current home only holds 10,000), and was attracted by a club who would “give him the chance to grow”.

When his eighteen months expire in Central Asia, Scolari said he may take another post in Europe (if it is offered), but strongly hinted he would return to his native Brazil.