The Argentinian Football Association have terminated the contract of national team coach Sergio Batista.

AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo announced the move in the wake of the team's disappointing campaign at the Copa America, which they hosted.

Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Uruguay, who went on to lift the trophy with a 3-0 win over Paraguay in Buenos Aires on Sunday.

Cherquis Bialo said: "The national teams committee has decided to rescind the contract that attached Mr Batista with the Argentinian Football Association.

In the upcoming seven days, we hope we can reveal the name of the new coach.
Ernesto Cherquis Bialo of the Argentinian Football Association

"In a very good natured, mature telephone conversation, Mr Batista and Mr Julio Grondona [the AFA president] talked and Batista left his situation in the hands of the AFA.

"Batista is a man who does not need any explanation. He talked to the AFA president and allowed him to decide whatever he considers the right thing."

As Argentina start their 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign in October, the AFA hope to name Batista's successor within a week.

"In the upcoming seven days, we hope we can reveal the name of the new coach," Cherquis Bialo said. "The candidates' names will be evaluated by the national teams committee."