Hiddink steps down as Turkey coach

ISTANBUL. November 17. KAZINFORM The Turkish Football Federation (TFF)announced Wednesday that Dutch coach Guss Hiddink had left his position as coach of Turkey following the team's failure to qualify for Euro 2012; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

"The contract of Hiddink has been invalidated after a mutual agreement between the federation and the coach," said the TFF on the website.

Turkey, who finished second behind Germany in Group A of the qualifying stage, tied with Croatia 0-0 in the return leg of the play-off on Tuesday and lost 3-0 on aggregate, missing the chance for Euro 2012.

Hiddink, who led Russia to the semifinals during the Euro 2008, took over the post in January 2010 on a two-year contract.