Fossati steps down as Qatar coach after illness
DOHA, Qatar — Jorge Fossati has stepped down as Qatar coach following a recent illness, leaving the team searching for a replacement ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia next month.
Qatar's football association said late Tuesday it had terminated Fossati's contract by mutual consent. The 55-year-old Uruguayan coach underwent stomach surgery recently and said he needed more time to recover.
"My health does not permit me to function normally," Fossati said in a statement, adding that his decision to leave was made "in the best interest of the Qatar team."
Qatar now needs to find a new coach before its match against Australia.
"We seek a stable team with a coach who can guide (the players), but Fossati cannot do that now," said federation president Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani.
Fossati took charge of Qatar in August last year and has led its players to the final stage of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"Due to his hard work, Qatar has earned the respect of its rivals," Hamad said.
