Cyprus champion APOEL fires Dutch coach 2 months into job

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.