NATIONAL TEAM - ETHIOPIA - COACH - EFF terminate the contract of Barreto

AFRICA CUP 2017 QUALIFIERS

The Portuguese, a former Ghana coach, took charge of the Walia Antelopes last year, signing a two-year contract.

But a disappointing reign saw Ethiopia finish bottom of their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group.

An official statement, sent to BBC Sport, says the EFF will pay an undisclosed amount of money to Baretto for ending the contract early.

Local media have reported on deep divisions between Barreto and the EFF's technical department.

Ethiopia is drawn with Algeria, Lesotho, and Seychelles in their 2017 Nations Cup qualifying group.

They kick off their campaign against Lesotho in June.

The EFF has declined to suggest who may be in the frame to take charge of the national side for the qualifiers.