Chile sack manager Lasarte after World Cup qualifying failure

SANTIAGO -- Martin Lasarte has left his position as Chile manager following the team's failure to qualify for this year's World Cup, the Chilean Football Association said on Friday.

The 61-year-old Uruguayan guided Chile to seven wins, six draws and nine losses after replacing Reinaldo Rueda in February last year.

"We've reached a consensus that Martin Lasarte's contract will not be renewed," Chile national team director Francis Cagigao told a news conference.

"As everyone is aware, Martin is a gentleman and a consummate professional in the world of football. We have nothing but gratitude for his work. You can win and you can lose, but above that is the person and the professionalism. And here we are talking about an impeccable professional."

Lasarte's departure came less than three days after Chile ended their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Uruguay, a result that left the Roja seventh in the 10-team South American group.

Cagigao did not say when a new manager would be appointed but ruled out the possibility of an interim coach.

"I think that would be a mistake," Cagigao said. "We need a replacement to oversee a renewal of the team and losing eight or nine months of that process doesn't seem like a good idea to me."

Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Ecuador secured South America's four automatic World Cup berths while Peru will play either Australia or the United Arab Emirates in a playoff.

The World Cup will be played in Qatar from Nov 21 to Dec 18.