Ireland manager Steve Staunton sacked
Dublin (dpa) - Ireland manager Steve Staunton was sacked in the early hours of Wednesday over a poor qualifying Euro 2008 campaign.
Ireland failed to qualify for the Euro finals in Austria and Switzerland, with Germany and the Czech Republic advancing.
The Irish campaign included a 5-2 defeat in Cyprus, a last-gasp 2-1 win over minnows San Marino and a last-minute 1-1 home draw with Cyprus last week, the latest setback sealing Staunton's fate.
The Football Association of Ireland board met Tuesday and said in a statement early Wednesday that Staunton's contract was terminated "by mutual consent." Staunton reportedly wanted to carry on for 2010 World Cup qualifying but that request was dismissed.
The former defender Staunton, 38, became manager when Brian Kerr failed to bring the team to the 2006 World Cup.
Ireland have not qualified for a big tournament since playing at the 2002 World Cup.
Sport Photo Gallery
Top Stories
- Thailand put down Malaysia
- Thailand to face M'sia in semis
- Paradorn sets his return to ATP Tour next year
- Thailand's soccer team drawn in easy group
- Nadal joins Federer in Madrid quarter-finals
- Pucay scales Mt Malarayat
- Spain rejoices over defeat of Hamilton, McLaren: "How dumb"
- Biggest Bangkok marathon
- Liverpool look to deliver against Besiktas without Torres
- Schumacher expects thrilling F1 finale - doesn't regret retirement
Video
){kind=link}
Tel 66-2-338-3000(Call Center), 66-2-338-3333, Fax 66-2-338-3334