Japan have sacked coach Javier Aguirre due to his ongoing involvement in an investigation into match-fixing in Spain.
The 56-year-old Mexican was among 41 people named in a probe in December, with the anti-corruption prosecutors' office alleging that 965,000 euros was paid in cash by then Real Zaragoza coach Aguirre and nine of his squad to Levante players ahead of a La Liga game in the 2010-11 campaign.
Zaragoza won 2-1 in Valencia on May 21, 2011, a result which saw them avoid relegation to Spain's second division.
Aguirre has denied the claims and led Japan at last month's Asian Cup, where they were beaten in the quarter-finals by the United Arab Emirates.
However, the Japanese Football Association has now decided to cancel Aguirre's contract, saying its immediate concern is protecting the interests of the national team.
In statement on the association's website, JFA president Kuniya Daini said: "The JFA has reached the conclusion that we will cancel Aguirre's contract, which Aguirre himself has agreed to.
"World Cup qualifying will begin in June and there is a possibility it (the investigation) could affect the national team, and we at the JFA want to avoid that risk. Also, to protect the honour of Aguirre, we think it best he focuses on the investigation in order to prove his innocence.
"It is unfortunate this has happened, but it has led the decision to cancel his contract."
Aguirre added in a short statement: "I am grateful for the support of everyone in Japan and I wish the best of luck to the national team in the future."
Source: PA
