Red Star Belgrade Coach Resigns After Shock Defeat to Hapoel Be'er Sheva in Champions League Qualifiers

Red Star Belgrade coach Dejan Stanković announced his resignation to the team following their elimination from the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round by Hapoel Be'er Sheva. The Serbian club, favored to advance, lost both matches and were decisively defeated 3-0 on aggregate by the Israeli side. Stanković, who had set the goal of reaching the Champions League group stage, took responsibility for the failure and stepped down immediately after the second leg, with official confirmation expected from the club's management.

The Serbian media harshly criticized Red Star's players for their poor performance and lack of accountability, describing their disappearance from public communication after the match as "classless." Israeli midfielder Mohammed Abu Fani, who came on as a substitute and was sent off in stoppage time, also faced significant criticism for his weak contributions in both legs. Abu Fani, who joined Red Star after three seasons with Ferencváros, has yet to fully win over fans or club management.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured at least a spot in the UEFA Europa League group stage, forcing Red Star into a playoff round for a chance to qualify. The Serbian champions' future in European competition now appears uncertain amid internal turmoil and leadership changes.