CFA fires head coach Loisel

The file picture shows the head coach of China’s women football team, Elisabeth Loisel. (Photo credit: China Daily)Photo Gallery>>The China women's football team will enter the Olympic season without head coach Elisabeth Loisel.

The China Football Association (CFA) sent Loisel an email terminating her contract on Sunday, bringing an end to 35 days of chaos within the team.

Loisel failed to improve the team's performance level during her term, the Chengdu Evening News reported. After a disastrous performance at the Algarve Cup in southern Portugal, Zhang Jianqiang, director of the CFA women's department, presented CFA with a report detailing the problems hindering the team and an appraisal of Loisel.

CFA managers deliberated for weeks, seeking the best way to sack the embattled former French coach.

The email, issued under CFA vice chairman Xie Yalong, said that neither Loisel, who had returned to her hometown in France, nor her training group need come back to China. The contract has been effectively terminated. Loisel will be paid compensation as outlined in her contract.

The CFA has already selected a new head coach. Chen Jingang, the former head coach of Chuanchun Yatai football team, will take over the position. Zhang Jianqiang, who had a public dispute with Loisel, will stay on as support staff for the upcoming Olympic Games.