Tom Saintfiet was sacked as Malta national team coach on Wednesday morning following reports that he has applied for the same position with Cameroon Football Federation.

A highly placed source confirmed to Soka25east that Saintfiet was served with a termination notice on Wednesday and will vacate his post as national team coach with immediate effect despite having a valid contract.

A statement later leaked on Thursday before the announcement by the Federation confirmed the coach has faced the axe.

“Following a thorough analysis of the situation, a decision has been taken to relieve Mr Saintfiet of his duties as National Team Coach. To this end, the Malta Football Association communicates that the employment contract of Tom Saintfiet has been terminated with immediate effect,” the Association said.

The 45-year-old Belgian has denied these reports, saying he never applied for a job in Cameroon putting it that he is a victim of fake news.

“I categorically deny having applied for the Cameroon vacancy (or any other coaching position) or having authorised any person to do so on my behalf. I informed the MFA accordingly and provided supporting documents.

“I am truly saddened to be the victim of fake news and I have now handed over the matter to my Attorney for further actions,” Sainfiet posted on his official Facebook page.

The much travelled coach was appointed to Malta’s national football team last October succeeding Pietro Ghedin whose five-and-a-half-year tenure at the helm of the national team came to end after the Malta’s final 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.

Saintfiet only watched the team in three matches with the first being against Estonia where his team lost 3-0 with other two consequent matches being goalless losses.

Since injury ended his playing career,the UEFA Pro qualified coach with a wealth of experience in international football, has worked as national coach of several countries, mostly in Africa and Asia.