Colombia sack Alvarez after 3 games

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has terminated the contract of national coach Leonel Alvarez after just three matches in charge.

A statement issued by FCF president Luis Bedoya declared that committee members shared no confidence in Alvarez’s ability to progress through the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

“The committee members have unanimously decided to terminate the contract of Leonel Alvarez,” the statement read.

“We need to change our path and immediately take the necessary steps to fulfil our main objective, which is to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.”

Since Alvarez took over as coach in September 2011, the national side has recorded a 2-1 win over Bolivia, a 1-1 draw with Venezuela and a 2-1 loss to Argentina.

Colombia currently sit in sixth place out of nine nations in South American qualifying.

While a new coach is likely to be installed before Colombia’s friendly with Mexico in February, the FCF has ruled out the return of former coach Hernan Dario Gomez, who resigned from the national position in August.

“Leonel is leaving, but I want to clarify that Hernan Dario Gomez has been absolutely ruled out for a return to the Seleccion (national team). It is not convenient and that is why he will not come back,” the statement read.

Colombia last qualified for the World Cup in 1998.