JERUSALEM, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Israeli basketball champions Maccabi Tel Aviv announced on Tuesday night the dismissal of Greek coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos after more than three years at the club.
Sfairopoulos joined the Israeli club in November 2018 on a 1.5-year contract, which was soon extended for another three years.
He led Maccabi to three Israeli league championships and last year's state cup, but in the current season the team has suffered some embarrassing losses.
The dismissals come a day after Maccabi's loss in the state cup semi-final derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv, after two recent league losses against Hapoel.
In addition, Maccabi has so far lost 12 of 23 EuroLeague games this season.
"Sfairopoulos changed the culture in the team when he arrived, contributed to elevating young players and coaches, and created a special connection to the Maccabi spirit and legacy", the club said in a statement.
Maccabi has appointed its head of scout division Avi Even as interim head coach until a permanent head coach is signed. ■
