Former Ismaili coach Theo Bucker said he was surprised at FIFA's decision to order him pay compensation for the coastal club. The German tactician unilaterally annulled his contract with Ismaili in the summer of 2006 after growing increasingly frustrated with the board's handling of the team. He was particularly annoyed by the actions of former club chairman Yehia Al-Koumi. Bucker believed the wealthy businessman impeded his work with his interference in footballing matters. Ismaili pursued legal action against Bucker for his abrupt departure and their efforts were fruitful as FIFA ordered the 60-year-old coach to pay the Dervishes $300,000. "I paid all Ismaili's dues for the Egyptian Football Association because the club refused to take the money," Bucker told Saudi paper Al-Watan. "I do not understand why I should pay compensation for Ismaili. I've already paid the penalty for leaving them. "Moreover, I had an agreement with Al-Koumi that I would leave Ismaili if I found any kind of interference in my work." Bucker, who had two spells with Ismaili, helped the club reach the CAF Champions League final in 2003. Under his guidance, Ismaili also finished the 2004 Arab Champions League as runners up after losing to Tunisia's Sfaxien in the final.
