Nioplias steps down as Cyprus coach

Cyprus national football team coach Nicos Nioplias will be leaving his position earlier than expected, it was announced on Thursday, along with two members of his coaching staff.
Following Cyprus’ defeats at the hands of Slovenia on Tuesday and Norway last Friday, Nioplias, who was appointed in 2011, informed the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) of his decision to step down at the end of his contract which was due to expire in November of this year.
Following discussions, he told the CFA that he could resign immediately if desired and an amicable agreement was reached between the two parties.
Nioplias and his coaching team, Michalis Iordanis and Nicos Tsimbos, all stepped down, effective immediately, the CFA announced.
The association thanked the coach and his team for their contribution to the national team and wished them success at their next destination.
For Cyprus’ last two group matches against Iceland and Albania on October 11 and 16 respectively, the national team’s technical director Michalis Hadjipieris will be in charge.
After the two matches are played and the qualification process for the World Cup in Brazil next year is completed, the CFA will begin searching for a new national team coach.

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