The head of Iran's Football Federation has been fired over the national team's humiliating exit from the World Cup, press reports said.

Iran coach Branko Ivankovic.[filephoto]

Iran's Physical Education Organisation -- the Islamic republic's top sporting body -- also issued a statement to "apologise to the Iranian people, on behalf of the Football Federation, for hurting their pride."

"Mohammad Dadkan was dismissed after a study of the football federation's record in the 18th World Cup," the body was quoted as saying by the Kargozaran newspaper.

The sacking comes the day after Iran's Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic also announced that he was quitting. Iran's press unanimously declared him and not the players responsible for their limp exit from the tournament in Germany.

A 1-1 draw with Angola on Wednesday left Iran bottom of Group D, one point behind the African nation.

Iran also lost to Portugal and Mexico, in a disappointing campaign for what had been considered the best Iranian team for decades.