Arnold resigns as Australia coach, FA says

MELBOURNE : Graham Arnold has resigned as Australia coach after a poor start to Asia's third phase of World Cup qualifying, governing body Football Australia (FA) confirmed on Friday.

Arnold advised FA earlier this week of his decision and it was accepted by the board, FA said in a statement.

"Football Australia is now focused on appointing a new head coach ahead of the second window of Round Three AFC Asian Qualifiers ... in October," FA said.

Arnold's resignation follows heavy criticism from fans and pundits after a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain on home soil and a 0-0 draw away against Asian soccer minnows Indonesia in World Cup qualifying.