Qatar sack coach Troussier

Qatar coach Philippe Troussier was sacked yesterday, two days after they were humbled 2-1 by Indonesia in their opening match at the Asian Cup.

The Frenchman, who led Japan to the title four years ago, had annoyed the Qatar Football Association (QFA) by saying on the eve of that match that he would quit after the tournament.

But Troussier was in turn upset that the QFA terminated his contract with immediate effect.
"Of course I am bitterly disappointed and extremely surprised," he said. "I was informed this morning by the QFA that my services were no longer needed.

"I respect the decision but I regret it because I think it has been taken after misinterpretation of my comments, which concerned what happens after the Asian Cup."

Troussier, who signed a lucrative two-year deal in July 2003, added: "I never thought I would stop at this stage as I wanted to complete this competition with determination and ambition."

Qatar have struggled under Troussier, finishing third at the Gulf Cup earlier this year and losing to Iran and Jordan in 2006 World Cup qualifiers.