Shock return: Pro League coach reappointed

Lars Hopp had resigned, but is now back as head coach.

The German shocked the Oceania football community by resigning from his post as Vanuatu United head coach before a ball was even kicked in the OFC Pro League.

Hopp and fellow German Christian Happel, who was the Ni-Vanuatu team’s GM, resigned citing differences on how the team should be run.

Hopp managed the team in the opening round of the Pro League in Auckland, where Vanuatu United got one point from three matches and was scheduled to leave the team following the first round of games.

But following the conclusion of the first round, Vanuatu United announced that the German had revoked his resignation and wanted to stay on.

“After careful consideration, the Board has unanimously agreed to accept Mr. Hopp’s request to withdraw his resignation and will continue his employment as Head Coach of Vanuatu United FC,” the club writes in a press release put out on their social media.

“The Board extends its appreciation to the football community for its patience while due process was followed. We acknowledge the uncertainty this situation created and are pleased to now move forward, building on the strong progress demonstrated by the team during the first round of the OFC Pro League in Auckland.”

Christian Happel will still leave his role as General Manager of the club.

Read the full statement below:

“Statement on behalf of the Vanuatu United FC Board

Following the resignation of Head Coach Mr. Lars Hopp on Monday, 12 January, the Vanuatu United FC (VUFC) Board initiated the re-quired processes under the Employment Act and commenced a formal recruitment process for a new Head Coach, during which more than 100 applications were received.

The Board has now concluded all employment processes relating to Mr. Hopp’s resignation and his subsequent written request to revoke that resignation.

After careful consideration, the Board has unanimously agreed to accept Mr. Hopp’s request to withdraw his resignation and will continue his employment as Head Coach of Vanuatu United FC.

The Board extends its appreciation to the football community for its patience while due process was followed. We acknowledge the uncertainty this situation created and are pleased to now move forward, building on the strong progress demonstrated by the team during the first round of the OFC Pro League in Auckland.

The Club will not be making any further statements on this matter.”

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