Klinsmann Fired By South Korea After One Year In Charge

Klinsmann had a contract until the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having replaced Paulo Bento in February last year.

The decision to sack the former Germany, Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspurs striker comes following South Korea's elimination at the hands of Jordan at the recent Asian Cup.

South Korea won just one game in normal time en route to the semi-finals as their wait for the Asian Cup extends to 64 years.

"Coach Klinsmann failed to demonstrate leadership that we expected from the national team coach, including game management, player management and work attitude, which elevate the competitiveness of the national team," said KFA President Chung Mong-gyu.

"We've reached a consensus that Klinsmann cannot exercise his leadership as national team head coach for various reasons and that a change of leadership is necessary," said KFA technical director Hwangbo Kwan.

Klinsmann led Germany to third place at the 2006 World Cup on home soil and also took USA to the knockout rounds of the 2014 World Cup.

The 59-year-old won the World Cup as a player in 1990 with Germany, for whom he scored 47 goals in 108 caps.