UAE fires coach Van Marwijk after Qatar defeat

FILE PHOTO: Netherlands national soccer coach Bert van Marwijk speaks to the media after the draw for the 2010 World Cup, in Cape Town December 4, 2009. The month-long soccer tournament begins on June 11 next year in South Africa. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA)

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Bert van Marwijk has been sacked as head coach of the United Arab Emirates, the country's football federation said on Wednesday after the team was knocked out of the Gulf Cup.

The UAE were eliminated from the keenly-contested regional tournament on Tuesday following a 4-2 loss at the hands of Qatar in a group game both sides needed to win to advance to the semi-finals.