Passarella resigns as Uruguay coach

Daniel Passarella has quit as Uruguay coach.

The former Argentine World Cup winning captain has cited a lack of training time with his players and blamed one of Uruguay's biggest clubs - Nacional - for failing to release Vicente Sanchez as the final straw.

Uruguay were set to tour Eurpe from next week and Passarella had named Sanchez in his squad but Nacional withdrew their player to stay with them for the Copa Libertadores tie with Conception.

Uruguay are in contention to qualify for the 2002 World Cup and lay rivals Paraguay next month. They are fifth in the CONMEBOL table with four teams to qualify.

Passarella rejected an offer in October to leave the Uruguay team and coach Internazionale after the Milan giants fired Marcello Lippi.

With Lippi's replacement Marco Tardelli struggling and the Inter club close to a relegation fight, Passarella could be approached again.

Failing a move by Inter, Fiorentina have also put Passarella on a short list of three candidates to coach them next season.