MOSCOW — The head of the Russian football federation has resigned and apologized to fans after the national team was eliminated in the group stage of the European Championship.
Sergei Fursenko said Russia’s showing “was very painful since the team was very strong and (coach) Dick Advocaat did a good job. Still, a misfire took place and of course our fans, who expected a different result, are now very disappointed.”
Fursenko announced his resignation during a televised meeting Monday with President Vladimir Putin.
Fursenko took over the football federation in February 2010 and brought in Advocaat three months later.
Expectations were high for Russia, which started the tournament with a 4-1 victory over the Czech Republic. But Russia then drew 1-1 with Poland and was upset by Greece 1-0 for an early exit.
