Javier Aguirre, who was fired by Japan in February because of his alleged involvement in a match-fixing investigation, has returned to management with UAE football club Al-Wahda.

The Mexican replaces Saudi Arabian Sami Al Jaber, whose contract was not renewed after the club's fourth-placed finish in the Arabian Gulf League last month.

"Aguirre has signed a one-year extendable contract," Al-Wahda board member Jamal Mohammed Al Hosani was quoted as saying by the National.

"The new coach is a great asset for the club as he has vast experience and a successful record as a coach."

Aguirre was at the helm when defending champions Japan made a surprise quarter-final exit to the UAE in January's Asian Cup and was removed as boss the following month over fears a match-fixing case could affect their World Cup qualifying campaign.

In December, Aguirre and 40 others were named in an alleged case of match-fixing involving a game between Real Zaragoza and Levante in Spain in the 2010-11 season.

Zaragoza, then coached by Aguirre, won 2-1 at Levante on the final day to avoid relegation.

Prosecutors allege that the Levante players were paid a total of 965,000 euros ($1.1 million) to deliberately lose the game. Aguirre, who has also coached Mexico at two World Cups, denies any wrongdoing.-Reuters