Mexican national team coach Miguel Herrera was fired Tuesday following a television reporter's claim that the man known as "El Piojo" punched him.
The ouster came just two days after Herrera led Mexico to victory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. But Decio de Maria, who on Saturday becomes president of the Mexican Soccer Federation, said the incident with the journalist was not in keeping with "the spirit of fair and respectful competition" the organization espouses.
In a statement, Herrera apologized to his players, his staff, fans, the federation and the media for his conduct in "the painful incident I had with a commentator."
"It is clear to me that this is not the attitude that a coach for the Mexican national team should take, despite having received all manner of criticisms, offenses and mockery of my family and my person," it said.
He said he planned to spend time with family and rest.