Pole star shown the door

Cypriot UEFA Cup hopefuls Anorthosis Famagusta FC have sacked their Polish striker Wojciech Kowalczyk.

Contract terminated
The 30-year-old's contract was terminated on Thursday night following a meeting between Anorthosis officials and coach Edward Lorens, who is also Polish. Anorthosis are understood to have become unhappy with Kowalczyk's lifestyle, although he has denied allegations of unprofessional conduct and claims he is owed money by the club.

Financial terms to be settled
Anorthosis board member Yiannis Ioannou said the two parties were close to reaching an agreement over a pay-off. "The board of Anorthosis is currently in talks with Kowalczyk's manager regarding financial terms," he said. "We are confident that a solution that satisfies both parties will be met very soon."

Spell in Spain
Kowalczyk was once regarded as one of the finest strikers in eastern Europe, notably during his spell with Legia Warszawa where he hit 32 goals in 94 games. The former Polish international moved to Real Betis Balompié in 1994 but in four seasons in Spain made only 62 appearances, scoring 14 goals.

Instant hit
Kowalczyk moved to Anorthosis last season and was an instant hit with the club's supporters. He scored 24 goals to help them finish second in the league and win the Cypriot Cup. This season, however, he has scored just once, in the UEFA Cup qualifying round against Luxembourg side CS Grevenmacher.

Boavista test
Anorthosis have been paired with Portugal's Boavista FC in the second round of the UEFA Cup, after overcoming Greek side Iraklis FC on away goals in the first round.