The German league (DFL) has turned down a request from Hamburger SV to let Rodolfo Cardoso continue as the team’s interim coach without having the necessary license.
The DFL said “there are no extenuating circumstances which warrant an extension to Cardoso’s 15-day permit.”
Cardoso took charge while Hamburg searches for a permanentreplacement for Michael Oenning, who was sacked last month. According to league association statutes, coaches must possess, or be in the process of obtaining, a coaching license inorder to fill a vacant coaching position. The Argentine Cardoso did not have written German of a standard required to complete the DFL’s course. The 42-year-old has applied to take the courseagain next year.
Hamburg is in last place, but won its first game of the season in Cardoso’s first game at the helm. (Cardoso played in more than 200 Bundesliga games, including 111 forHamburg SV. Since retiring he has coached HSV youth and reserve teams.)