Two clubs on different continents severed ties with their head coaches in a single news cycle, as Iran’s Persepolis and England’s Nottingham Forest both moved to reshape their technical leadership. In Tehran, the departure of Brazilian manager Osmar Vieira was formalised after a meeting with club officials, while in the East Midlands, Portuguese coach Vítor Pereira learned of his dismissal via an email sent two minutes before a contract break clause expired.

Vieira’s exit from Persepolis had been widely anticipated in Iranian media following the team’s failure to secure an Asian Champions League berth. A defeat to Chadormalu in a three-team qualifying tournament extinguished that ambition, and reports from Tehran indicate that the club had already opened negotiations with Dragan Skočić, the former Iran and Tractor head coach. Vieira’s contract, which was conditional on either a league title or the club’s satisfaction, was not renewed. The club thanked him for his efforts, but the focus immediately shifted to the delay in finalising Skočić’s appointment. Iranian outlets note that the club’s main shareholder, Bank Shahr, was initially reported to be hesitant over the financial commitment, though some sources deny any such reluctance. Instead, questions are being directed at chief executive Peyman Haddadi over the pace of the process. The uncertainty was compounded when former Iran international Khodadad Azizi publicly declined a role as team manager, citing indecision within the club.

In England, the manner of Pereira’s departure from Nottingham Forest drew sharp attention. Portuguese and British outlets report that the club informed him of the decision at 23:58 on the day his contract’s break clause was due to expire, a communication he described as “a complete surprise and without any warning.” Pereira had taken charge in February on an 18-month deal, guiding Forest to Premier League survival and a Europa League semi-final. Despite that relative success, the club opted to move in a different direction. British media reports have linked former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner with the vacancy. Pereira issued a statement expressing gratitude for the opportunity and respect for the club’s right to decide its future.

For Persepolis, the path now appears clear to appoint Skočić once the administrative separation from Vieira is complete, though the delay has raised questions about internal decision-making. Forest, meanwhile, begin their search for a new manager with the pre-season already underway, and the reported target, Glasner, is available after leaving Palace. Both clubs face immediate tests: Persepolis must rebuild a squad that missed out on continental competition, while Forest seek to consolidate their top-flight status and build on a European run that exceeded expectations.