Bastia change mind over Gili axing
BASTIA, Corsica -- Bastia have changed their mind over the sacking of coach Gerard Gili who will now stay for the rest of the season, the French club have revealed.
As a result, club president Francois Nicolai, who had been harshly criticised by Gili at the weekend, has decided to resign.
"Gerard Gili will stay until the end of the season in the best interests of the club, who still need a couple of points to avoid relegation," said Nicolai, who later sent a letter of resignation to the club's board.
Nicolai said on Monday that he had sacked Gili following disrespectful comments the coach had made about his president.
After Saturday's 2-1 victory at home to Nice, Gili said Bastia would be better off with a different president.
"We must have a president with a stronger character to grow as a club. It is a necessary step," he said.
Bastia are 13th in the 20-team division with 37 points from 31 games, seven points above the relegation zone with seven matches left to play this season.
