Benito Floro out as coach of Canadian men's soccer team

​Benito Floro is out as coach in the wake of Canada's failed World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Canadian Soccer Association says Floro's contract is not being renewed.

Canada exited in the penultimate round of qualifying in the CONCACAF region that covers North and Central America and the Caribbean. The Canadian men have been to the World Cup final just once, in 1986.

Association president Victor Montagliani, who hired Floro, praised the outgoing coach for his efforts with the men's program but said it was time to step up.

"We've taken a long-term approach to this program, knowing this was the first block," Montagliani told a media conference call. "I think Benito has brought a lot to the program from a technical, tactical perspective.

"At the end of the day, it is a results business ... As we move forward, the program needs now another elevation," he added.

The CSA also parted ways with assistant coach Antonio Floro, Benito's son.

The 64-year-old Spaniard took charge of the team in August 2013, taking over from Stephen Hart who resigned in the wake of Canada's failed bid to make the 2014 World Cup.

Floro took over a country ranked 88th in the world and 10th in CONCACAF. Canada is currently No. 100 in the world and No. 11 in CONCACAF.

His record at the Canadian helm is 9-11-11, including a 5-4-4 mark in official games.

CSA says no rush to hire new coach

The search for a new men's coach starts while the association looks to secure games for Canada on FIFA international dates in October and November. Montagliani, who said there is no "rush" to hire a new coach, said the CSA will be "open-minded" when it comes to their nationality.

"The reality of our situation is we do have domestic candidates but we also have to look elsewhere as well — as we have in the past, as we have in the present and as we will in the future. I don't think we're excluding anybody and specifically our own."

The goal "is to build on the good things that have happened."

Montagliani said the Canadian men's program is already far more professionally run than in the past.

"I'd equate it to we've gone from a three-star hotel to a five-star hotel in terms of how we prepare how we treat the players, how we treat the staff, how we prepare for whatever it is."

The CSA will increase such efforts, he promised.

"If you keep doing the right things, eventually you'll break through that glass ceiling," he said.