EuroLeague

Crvena Zvezda parts ways with Ioannis Sfairopoulos

Oct 10, 2025 10:35 AM

Crvena Zvezda’s disappointing 0-3 start to the 2025/26 season has prompted the club to make a significant decision regarding its leadership. On Wednesday, the Belgrade side officially confirmed that head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos has been relieved of his duties after two years in charge.

“Following a joint meeting between club president Željko Drčelić, general manager for the sports sector Milan Tomić, club management, and head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos, a decision was made that Mr. Sfairopoulos will no longer serve as head coach of Crvena Zvezda’s first team. The decision was reached with a single, shared goal – to act in the best interest of BC Crvena Zvezda at this moment,” read the club’s statement.

Sfairopoulos took the reins on October 21, 2023, and quickly established himself as one of the most successful coaches in the team’s history.

Over two seasons, he guided Crvena Zvezda to four trophies – the ABA League, two Radivoj Korać Cups, and the Serbian Championship – while also leading them into the EuroLeague Play-In. His overall record stood at 90 wins and 55 losses across 145 games.

The club highlighted his contributions in its farewell message.

“The club thanked coach Sfairopoulos for everything he has done for Crvena zvezda, for the professional manner in which he represented the club both on and off the court, and for his contribution to raising the organization to a higher level. It also wished him health, success, and all the best in his future career. With the trophies he won and the recognition as the most successful coach within the Crvena zvezda Sports Society, Ioannis Sfairopoulos remains an indelible part of the club’s history.”

Zvezda also extended its appreciation to his assistant, Vassilis Geragotelis, for “his effort, commitment, and contribution during his time with Crvena zvezda alongside the head coach.”

Although the results at the start of this season forced the club’s hand, Sfairopoulos departs having left a lasting mark, both with the silverware collected and the standards he set during his tenure.