National soccer coach Jo Bonfrere resigned Tuesday under heavy pressure after a string of disappointing performances led to vocal calls for his ouster.

The technical committee of the Korea Football Association said it accepted his resignation and will name his replacement in mid-September.

Committee chairman Lee Hwoi-taek said the association decided that under the circumstances, Bonfrere cannot continue to lead the team.

Bonfrere felt the wrath of angry fans and media after the team finished last in the East Asian Football Championships earlier this month and lost its final World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia, 1-0, last week.

Critics blasted the team's recent lack of finishing ability and coordination, adding Bonfrere tended to blame players or bad luck instead of assuming personal responsibility.

The Dutchman is the second national coach fired by the KFA since the end of the 2002 World Cup. Portugeuse Humberto Coelho was dismissed in April last year after a humiliating draw with 141st-ranked Maldives.