Cyprus manager steps down after dismal World Cup campaign

NICOSIA, Nov 23 (AFP) - Cyprus manager Momcilo Vukotic has stepped down as national team coach by mutual agreement, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) announced on Tuesday.
CFA chairman Costas Koutsoukoumis told reporters after a meeting that both sides had agreed the Montenegrin could take the national team no further after a disappointing qualification campaign for the 2006 World Cup.
He said the CFA would decide on a replacement within four weeks and that it was keeping its options open on whether to appoint a Cypriot or a foreigner.
Vukotic had been widely expected to leave his post after Cyprus garnered just a single point from their Group Four qualifiers -- and that a disappointing home draw with the tiny Faroe Islands.
His last game was a 1-2 home defeat to Israel which ended any hope of qualifying.
The Montenegrin had tendered his resignation after a previous disappointing qualification campaign for Euro 2004 but on that occasion was saved by the support of his players.

11/23/2004 21:23 GMT - AFP