"Today, Al Ittihad club has ended the contract with head coach Marcelo Gallardo," the club of French striker Karim Benzema said on social media.

Argentine Gallardo replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in November after a poor run of results but did not manage to revive the team who finished in fifth spot.

Al Ittihad, linked with ex-AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli according to local media, will not play in the AFC Champions League Elite or any continental competition next season.