(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-04-01 11:19

MEXICO CITY - Mexico fired coach Hugo Sanchez on Monday after only 16 months in the job, the Mexico Football Federation (FMF) said.

Mexico's coach Hugo Sanchez gestures during a game against Iran during their friendly game in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, in this June 2, 2007 file photo. Sanchez was fired March 31, 2008, two weeks after Mexico's Sub-23 team failed to qualify for the Olympics. [Agencies]

The former Real Madrid striker, widely regarded as the finest player Mexico has produced, was sacked two weeks after the under-23 team, which he also coaches, failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

The FMF said the decision had been taken by a meeting of the federation's executive committee, which is made up of the presidents of the 18 first division clubs.

Sanchez, appointed in November 2006 after lobbying intensively for the job for years, was in charge for 23 full internationals, winning 12, drawing three and losing eight.

However, it was the Olympic team's failure which proved his downfall as Mexico were knocked out in the first stage of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament after finishing third behind Canada and Guatemala in their group.

The full international side were also criticised for their performance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup last year.

Despite reaching the final, where they lost 2-1 to hosts United States, Mexico struggled to one-goal wins over Cuba, Panama and Guadeloupe and were beaten by Honduras.

They produced a much-improved performance at the Copa America in Venezuela shortly afterwards, beating Brazil 2-0 and thumping Paraguay 6-0 on their way to the semi-finals where they lost to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.