Bankrupt Bolivia suspend national team coach

Bolivia have suspended the contract of national team coach Carlos Aragones as the financial situation in their football federation worsens.

Federation president Walter Castedo announced the suspension of Aragones today and said the coach had been asked to accept a pay reduction as well.

Last week Bolivia needed help for 2002 World Cup qualifying opponents Ecuador to fulfil a fixture. Ecuador paid for travel and hotel costs to see the game go ahead when the financial crisis in the game meant Bolivia were in danger of forfeiting their place in CONMEBOL qualifiers.

Castedo has asked former Bolivar coach Luis Orozco to step in if Aragones decides to quit.

Bolivia face Brazil at the Maracana on September 3rd in their next World Cup qualifier.