Veteran manager Felipe Scolari and Cruzeiro announced the termination of the 72-year-old’s contract by a mutual decision on Monday afternoon.
The Brazilian manager joined the club on a contract till 2022 but has now taken an early exit from the club.
Based on that, Cruzeiro wouldn’t have to pay Scolari the R$ 10 million left on the remainder of his contract.
Scolari was appointed by the club in October 2020 and was left with the job of keeping the club afloat after they were relegated to the Serie B in 2019.
When the 72-year-old took charge at the club, Cruzeiro were one from bottom after a poor start to their league campaign coupled with a six-point deduction by FIFA due to an unpaid transfer debt.
Scolari oversaw a run of seven games unbeaten that saw him get Raposa out of the relegation zone. Consecutive defeats to Oeste and Juventude earlier this month put them at risk of dropping further below into Serie C.
However, a 2-1 win over Operario-PR last week meant Scolari secured safety for Cruzeiro and the manager has now decided to step down.
A club statement read: “Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Luiz Felipe Scolari mutually decided to finish the second passage of the multi-champion coach.
“Collaborating with the club in the most challenging moment in its history, Scolari and his coaching staff fulfilled the important mission of maintaining Cruzeiro in Serie B, having led the team in 21 matches and accumulating nine wins, eight draws and four defeats.
“Cruzeiro is grateful and recognises all the work, dedication and professionalism of Felipao and his staff for the club at this important moment, and wishes luck and happiness to the world champion coach and his staff.”
In his time at the club, Scolari took charge of 21 games, winning nine of them, drawing eight times and recording four losses.
His technical staff Paulo Turra, Carlos Pracideli and Anselmo Sbragia will also depart the club.
