Oleh Blokhin Resigns As Ukraine Coach After Team Fails To Reach Euro 2008

KIEV, Ukraine -- Oleh Blokhin resigned as coach of Ukraine on Thursday after the team failed to qualify for next year's European Championship.

Oleh Blokhin
Blokhin and his assistants quit during a meeting with the executive committee of the Ukrainian soccer federation, the organization said in a statement.

Blokhin had pledged several months ago that he would resign if the team failed to reach Euro 2008. Ukraine finished fourth in Group B behind Italy, France and Scotland.

The 55-year-old Blokhin became Ukraine coach in November 2003, and led the team to the quarterfinals of last year's World Cup before losing to eventual winner Italy.

Source: International Herald Tribune