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NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus champion Apoel says it has fired coach Mario Been two months after he took the job.
Apoel said in a statement Friday that Been was let go because the team's performance hasn't "lived up to expectations" despite the fact that qualifying match results still give it a chance to clinch a spot in a top-tier European competition.
Apoel's 1-0 away loss to Romania's Viitorul Constanta in Wednesday's Champions League third qualifying round, first-leg match soured the team's bosses and fans.
Been, a 53-year-old Dutchman, signed on as Apoel coach on May 26, after the team clinched a record-tying fifth straight Cyprus championship and 26th overall.
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