Football: Trapattoni steps down after Ireland flop in World Cup bid

Ireland's coach Giovanni Trapattoni reacts during their 2014 World Cup qualifying football match against Austria in Vienna on Tuesday, Sept 10, 2013. Ireland ended Trapattoni's five-year spell in charge of the national football team on Wednesday
Ireland's coach Giovanni Trapattoni reacts during their 2014 World Cup qualifying football match against Austria in Vienna on Tuesday, Sept 10, 2013. Ireland ended Trapattoni's five-year spell in charge of the national football team on Wednesday, Sept 11, 2013, after he oversaw a failed attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
  • Published
    Sep 11, 2013, 6:55 pm SGT

DUBLIN (REUTERS) - Ireland ended Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni's five-year spell in charge of the national football team on Wednesday, after he oversaw a failed attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Ireland are fourth in European qualifying Group C and six points off a play-off place with two matches remaining, after a disappointing campaign that included a 1-6 home loss to Germany and this month's defeats by Sweden and Austria.

"The Football Association of Ireland, Giovanni Trapattoni and (assistant) Marco Tardelli today announced that following an amicable meeting this morning, they have parted company by mutual consent," the association said in a statement.