China has dismissed respected Dutchman Guus Hiddink as coach of its Olympic football team after a disappointing year in charge.
In a statement Thursday, the China Football Association said that former head coach of the Chinese women's team Hao Wei would take over the key role for the men's team.
The CFA said it was setting up a four-member group to be in charge of the Olympic qualifiers, with Hiddink's name notably absent.
The statement said the new leadership was "in view of the previous inadequate preparations for the Chinese U-22 National Men's Football Team" and was "in order to further strengthen team preparations and improve team building and management level."
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