Canada men's national team parts ways with manager Benito Floro

Benito Floro's tenure at the helm of the Canadian men's national team has come to an end, with the Canadian Soccer Association announcing Wednesday that Floro's contract option has not been exercised.

The decision comes after Floro failed to guide Les Rouges to a spot in the final-six stage of 2018 World Cup qualifying in the CONCACAF region, with the former Real Madrid manager overseeing 30 matches from 2013-16, recording nine wins, 10 draws, and 11 losses.

"We would like to thank Benito Floro for his professionalism and integrity during his tenure as head coach," CSA president Victor Montagliani said in a statement. "Moving forward, we will build on our momentum and continue to focus the organisation's resources on maximising the team's performance."

Floro was criticized during his tenure for strange and sometimes controversial player personnel decisions, as well as odd substitutions, such as the removal of striker Cyle Larin for defender Nik Ledgerwood during a crucial match against Honduras, when the Reds were down 2-1.

His decision to leave players like Jonathan Osorio, Russell Teibert, and, most recently, Will Johnson out of the team was met with many a question. Floro, however, did help bring on many new dual-national players such as Tesho Akindele, Scott Arfield, and Junior Hoilett into the mix.

In typical Canadian fashion, and in tune with his character as a manager and as a man, Floro departed the team with kindness and respect.

"I would like to thank Canada Soccer for the opportunity to lead the Men's National Team Program for the past three years," Floro said. "The organization's support for the program has been formidable and will lead to strong results in the years to come.

"We have a talented group of dedicated players that have a bright future and I wish Canada Soccer all the best for success."

The CSA did not yet name a new manager, nor was an interim manager appointed.