Football: Argentina coach Gerardo Martino resigns - media

Martino quit in frustration at clubs not releasing players for the national squad in time for the Olympics, media said. PHOTO: AFP

BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Local media reported on Tuesday that Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino has resigned, days after losing the Copa America Centenario final and a month before the Olympics.

Martino quit in frustration at clubs not releasing players for the national squad in time for the Olympics, newspapers and television channels reported, without citing their sources.

Martino took over as coach after the 2014 World Cup, in which Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra-time in the final.

He led the team to the Copa America final last year and again last month in the centenary edition. They were beaten both times by Chile on penalties.

The president of the Argentine Olympic Committee, Gerardo Werthein, warned shortly before Tuesday's reports that there was "50-per-cent chance" that Argentina would miss the Olympic football competition because clubs were not releasing players.

Press reports also said Martino was angry at the Argentina Football Association's managing of the sport.

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