Palmeiras sack Luxemburgo after row over player

Former Brazil and Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has been sacked by Palmeiras in a row over striker Keirrison's future.

"After a board meeting, Vanderlei Luxemburgo is no longer trainer of the professional team," the Sao Paulo-based club said.

Palmeiras said last weekend they had received a big money offer from Barcelona for Keirrison, who has only been at Palmeiras for six months, and that the 20-year-old would not play for the team while negotiations were ongoing.

Luxemburgo was angered by this decision and told Palmeiras that under his charge he would not pick Keirrison again even if the striker's transfer did not go through.

"Keirrison showed a lack of professionalism and respect towards me and the squad so, while I'm coach, he will no longer play for Palmeiras," Luxemburgo said.

The sacking had nothing to do with results on the pitch, the club said. The team were knocked out of the Libertadores Cup in last week's quarter-finals.

Media reports put Barcelona's offer for Keirrison, last year's top scorer in the Brazilian championship with 20 goals playing for Coritiba, at €15 million.