World football governing body FIFA has ruled in favour of Spanish coach José Riveiro after his dismissal by Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.

Early in September last year, Riveiro was shown the door by the Cairo-based club after just seven matches in charge. He had joined Al Ahly on a two-year deal from Orlando Pirates.

Since then, the two parties were engaged in talks for a settlement, but could not reach an agreement, and Riveiro then referred the matter to FIFA.

Al Ahly have been ordered to pay him $588,000 (R9.3 million), and Al Ahly say they will file an appeal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In a statement, the club’s legal advisor, Dr Abdullah Shehata, said: “The club will file an appeal before the International Sports Court (CAS) against the judgment issued by the International Football Federation Players’ Status Chamber (FIFA) in favour of the Spanish, José Riveiro, former technical director of the first football team.

“This (appeal) step will be completed after a maximum of three weeks, after the club receives the reasons for the decision issued in favour of the Spanish coach, pointing out that the judgment is not final, and there are other degrees of litigation, and the appeal will be made in accordance with the procedures followed in this regard.”

Earlier reports claimed that Riveiro had turned down a settlement of $98,000 (R1.6 million) from Al Ahly.

He has since moved on and is now coaching Swedish club AIK.