Bayern Munich have fired coach Louis van Gaal with immediate effect, the club said in a statement on Sunday, April 10.

Van Gaal was already due to leave the club at the end of the season, after it was agreed last month to terminate his contract one year early. Now the Bayern board has apparently decided to sack the 59-year-old Dutchman with just five games remaining in the Bundesliga season.

The decision came after reigning champions Bayern were knocked down from third place following Saturday's 1-1 draw in Nuremberg.

The disappointing game for Bayern ended when Dutch star Arjen Robben received a red card for insulting the referee after the final whistle. He will now miss next Sunday's crucial match at home to Bayer Leverkusen.

Van Gaal took over before the 2009-10 season and made an immediate impact, winning the Bundesliga and German Cup and leading Bayern to the Champions League final in his first season in charge. Bayern management had extended his contract through the 2011-2012 season, but a series of disappointing results changed its mind and originally said he'd have to go after the current season.

Kicker reported that van Gaal's assistant, Andries Jonker, will take over as coach until the end of the season. Jupp Heynckes has been appointed coach from next season.

Author: Joanna Impey (AP, dpa, SID)

Editor: Sean Sinico