China Fire Dujkovic As Olympic Coach

China have fired Olympic coach Ratomir Dujkovic replacing him with Yin Tiesheng just three weeks before the tournament kicks off.

Jul 18, 2008 3:48:31 AM

Ratomir Dujkovic, new coach of China national Olympic team (AFP)

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Ratomir Dujkovic, new coach of China national Olympic team (AFP)

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The Serbian has been moved to a nominal role of advisor to coach Yin but has been stripped of all responsibility and influence.

The writing was on the wall for Dujkovic after China failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Fellow Serb Vladamir Petrovic was the senior team boss but it was an open secret in China that by the end of the qualification campaign it was Dujkovic who was calling the shots.

Dujkovic became increasingly unpopular with fans and the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

"It is the last thing that the Chinese Football Association wanted to do," said executive vice-chairman Xie Yalong. "But Dujkovic now can't represent the interests of the majority and we have no choice but to replace him."

According to reports, Dujkovic, who lead Ghana to the second round of the 2006 World Cup, also angered the CFA with his plans not to include an injured Zheng Zhi in the Olympic squad. He was overruled.

Xie is trying to focus on the tournament and games against New Zealand, Brazil and Belgium.

"The replacement will definitely affect the team's preparations," he added. "But we will encourage our players to fight for national dignity. I believe we won't disappoint the fans."

John Duerden

Asia Editor

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