Portugal sack Queiroz after doping turmoil and poor Euro 2012 start

Carlos Queiroz’ miserable month has continued after being sacked as the coach of Portugal.

The former Manchester United assistant boss is currently serving a six-month ban after being found to have interrupted an anti-doping session at a Portuguese training camp in the run up to this summer’s World Cup.

This has resulted in Queiroz twice having to watch on from the stands as Portugal have got off to a nightmare start in qualifying for Euro 2012.

After drawing 4-4 at home to Cyprus in their opening Group H encounter, they were defeated 1-0 in Norway, leaving themselves five points adrift of the Norwegians after only two games.

Queiroz still had two years remaining on his contract and his agent Rui Patricio has vowed to fight on his client’s behalf.

He said: “We are not satisfied with the fact that Queiroz’ rights are not being respected.

“If the contract has been terminated without just cause, there has to be compensation. If there has been interference from the government then international organisations, and I mean FIFA of course, will be alerted.”

Portugal remain evens to finish at the head of Group H despite suffering their worst start to a European Championship qualifying campaign since 1996, with Denmark priced at 2/1 and early leaders Norway 3/1.

Former Sporting Lisbon manager Paulo Bento has been one of the first names mentioned as the replacement for Queiroz, with the Portuguese Football Federation hoping to have the new boss in place ahead of their next game against Denmark on October 8th.

Portugal’s best result in the European Championships came in 2004 when they were beaten in the final by Greece and they are 16/1 to win Euro 2012. See the whole Euro 2012 winners market.