Zhu Guanghu (left).

BEIIJING: China coach Zhu Guanghu was finally sacked by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) on Thursday.

The CFA’s Coaching Committee confirmed Zhu’s departure on Tuesday, The Beijing News reported, quoting team manager Wei Shaohui.

Zhu’s contract with the CFA ran out after last month’s AFC Asian Cup™ in which the Asian giants thoroughly disappointed.

"After three years as commander, it is bittersweet to hand this position over to someone else," Zhu said.

Among the candidates tipped to replace Zhu, former French international Jean-Pierre Papin is the frontrunner. Ratomir Dujkovic, who currently leads the Chinese U-23s, is also said to be a contender.

Meanwhile, China and Myanmar have mutually agreed to play their FIFA World Cup 2010 Asian qualifying round 1 on October 21.