Qatar sack coach after defeat

Qatar coach Philippe Troussier was sacked on Tuesday, two days after the Gulf side 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 already said he would quit after the tournament in China, but the Qatar Football Association (QFA) has decided to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

Troussier signed a lucrative two-year deal in July 2003 but Qatar finished a disappointing third at the Gulf Cup earlier this year and have lost to Iran and Jordan in 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

Their build-up to the Asian Cup was also dogged by controversy. Midfielder Jafal Rashid was banned for nine months for a doping violation and FIFA blocked Troussier's bid to recruit Brazilians Ailton, Dede and Leandro.

Troussier guided Japan to the final of the 2001 Confederations Cup and took the co-hosts to the second round of the World Cup in 2002.

However, the 49-year-old, dubbed the "white witch doctor" during successful stints coaching Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and South Africa, had frequent run-ins with his Japanese employers.

He threatened to quit twice during the 2000 Asian Cup in Lebanon, accusing the Japan Football Association of interfering with his job.

With Troussier gone, Saeed Al Meshed is expected to be handed the task of leading Qatar in Wednesday's game against Bahrain.