Turkey ends coach Hiddink’s contract

Former Korea head coach Guus Hiddink (AP-Yonhap News)

ANKARA (AP) ― Guus Hiddink is out as Turkey’s soccer coach, leaving a day after the team failed to qualify for next year’s European Championship.

Turkey’s soccer federation said Thursday it had reached a mutual agreement for the 65-year-old Dutchman to depart. He began in May 2010 and had a contract due to expire next August.

“We thank Guus Hiddink for services rendered during his term and wish him a healthy and happy life,” the federation said.

Hiddink coached South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semifinals and Australia to the second round at the 2006 World Cup. He also guided Russia to the semifinals of the 2008 European Championship.

Hiddink, who has also coached PSV Eindhoven, Real Madrid, Valencia and Fenerbahce, stayed on as a Chelsea adviser after winning the FA Cup in 2009.