Farul call time on Hizo

Romanian club FC Farul Constanta have sacked coach Viorel Hizo following a string of poor results.

'Various reasons'
Hizo, who becomes the 12th coach to be sacked or who has resigned in Divizia A this season, was notified of the board's decision on Christmas Eve. Farul's executive president, Marcel Lica, said: "There are various reasons why we fired Mr Hizo. First of all, there are the bad results registered by the team during his spell in charge. Secondly, there are the lack of communication and cooperation between him and the board. Thirdly, he made some statements in the last few days that infer he doesn't want to continue at the club. All of them are enough reasons to take this decision".

Cup quarter-finals
Hizo responded to the news by saying: "I don't think that this measure is justified. Of course, Farul is not on a good position, but there are enough chances to avoid relegation. Apart from that, the club chiefs forget that I helped the team qualify for the FA Cup quarter-finals".

Poor record
Hizo arrived in Constanta before the third round of matches of the current season, replacing Petre Grigoras at the helm. His record as coach saw the club win five, draw one and lose seven of Hizo's 13 matches in charge. However, the club find themselves in serious relegation trouble, lying second-bottom of the league standings. Farul have 17 points, the same tally as 12th-placed Sportul Studentesc, who occupy the final position that would guarantee a club top-flight football next term. Hizo's replacement is yet to be announced.