Cyprus boss steps down

CYPRUS manager Momcilo Vukotic has stepped down as national team coach by mutual agreement, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) announced last night.

CFA chairman Costas Koutsoukoumis told reporters after a meeting both sides had agreed the Montenegrin could take the 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 it was keeping its options open on whether to appoint a Cypriot or a foreigner.

Vukotic had been expected to leave his post after Cyprus garnered just a single point from their Group Four qualifiers - in a disappointing home draw with the tiny Faroe Islands. His last game was a 1-2 home defeat to Israel.