The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) terminated its contact with national men’s football team manager Timur Ketsbaia, an announcement said on Friday.

The Georgian’s contract was due to expire in November 2025.

After meeting in the morning, CFA head George Koumas said: “During a conversation I had with the coach of the men’s national team, Timur Ketsbaia, we exchanged views on the image presented by our team in the last two matches and earlier.”

According to Koumas, Ketsbaia himself indicated that what the team needs is a drastic change.

“We had no doubt that, at this difficult time for our national team, Mr Timur Ketsbaia would demonstrate professionalism, seriousness and his proven love for the national team and football in general. His attitude honours him, but for those who know him, it comes as no surprise. Unfortunately, neither Mr Ketsbaia nor the federation have been able to achieve the desired results through this partnership,” he added.

Koumas thanked Ketsbaia and wished him every success, both personally and professionally.

The former Newcastle, Wolverhampton and AEK Athens player was in his third year with the Cyprus team now ranked No. 127 by FIFA, a drop of 20 places while he was in charge.

Cyprus lost all eight games and finished last in their European Championship qualifying group last year, which included eventual title winner Spain, Scotland, Norway and his home country Georgia.

Through his 20-game coaching term, Ketsbaia logged six wins, two draws and 13 losses with 19 goals for and 49 against.

Ketsbaia coached Georgia for five years though 2014, and later worked for AEK and Cypriot clubs Anorthosis and Apoel, leading the Nicosia side to the Champions League group stage for the 2008-09 season – a first for any Cypriot side.

The Cyprus federation did not announce an interim coach to take over for Nations League games next month hosting Romania and the return game in Kosovo.