Crvena zvezda cut Prosinečki loose

Robert Prosinečki has resigned as coach of FK Crvena zvezda ahead of the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off against FC Girondins de Bordeaux on Thursday.

The 43-year-old held talks with club president Vladan Lukić after which it was agreed to cancel the former Crvena zvezda and Croatia midfielder's contract. "I have been thinking it over for the last two months," said Prosinečki. "This is my decision. I apologise to the players, in whom I have great confidence. I wish them all the best and believe that they can become champions and make it to the UEFA Europa League group stage."

Once assistant coach of the Croatia national team, Prosinečki took charge of the club in December 2010, and won the Serbian Cup last season, but his side have not won the league title since 2006/07, with arch-rivals FK Partizan claiming the last five crowns. 'Red Star' kicked off the new domestic season with a 2-2 draw against Belgrade neighbours FK Rad.