Argentinian giants Boca Juniors have parted company with head coach Carlos Ischia.

Ischia announced his resignation on 25 May but was to have remained in charge until the end of the current Clausura campaign.

However, the club's board met with the coach yesterday evening following Sunday's 3-0 loss to Racing Club and agreed on his immediate departure. Boca lie 15th in the Clausura standings, only five points above last-placed Argentinos Juniors with two rounds to go.

Club president Jorge Amor Ameal confirmed that reserve coach Abel Alves will take charge of the first team until a permanent appointment is made. "It is a sad moment for the club," said Ameal.

"Tomorrow, Abel Alves will train the professional squad. There are no hidden reasons for this decision. We rescinded the contract by mutual consent and he (Ischia) left on good terms."

Alves was a midfielder at Boca from 1975 to 1982. Ameal added that former Argentina coach Alfio Basile heads the list of candidates to succeed Ischia.

"Our football manager (Carlos Bianchi) is discussing with Basile and the negotiations are going well," he said. Basile, who has had two spells in charge of Argentina, coached Boca from 2005 to 2006, leading the Buenos Aires giants to two domestic league titles and three international club championships.