Sogndal dismisses Luis Pimenta after investigating player complaints

Sogndal have ended Luis Pimenta’s employment after investigating concerns raised by players about the Portuguese coach’s conduct.

The club said it had commissioned external investigations alongside internal inquiries after receiving the reports. Those investigations have now been completed, but Sogndal said it would not comment further at this time. It did not disclose their conclusions or whether Pimenta received a severance payment.

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Sogndal Football has today ended Luis Pimenta’s employment.

Pimenta had been away from his coaching duties since June 26, when the club decided to examine the complaints more closely. His absence was extended several times while the investigations continued. Local newspaper Sogn Avis had published a series of articles focusing on his leadership style and accounts from players who allegedly felt they had been treated differently.

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We are pleased that Eirik wants to continue as head coach. He knows the club very well and has done important work for the club and team in recent months. We believe he has created calm, security and development.

Eirik Bakke, who took over on an interim basis, will continue as head coach until the end of the season. Sogndal’s general manager Ingrid Narum said Bakke had created calm, security and development for the club and team. Bakke said he was ready for an exciting autumn beginning with Sunday’s match against Strømmen.

Sogndal currently occupy the relegation playoff place in the first division, with nine league rounds still to play. Pimenta took charge before the 2025 season and had previously coached Norway’s under-18 and under-19 teams, as well as Kongsvinger.

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I am very ready for an exciting autumn, beginning with Strømmen on Sunday.