Soccer:Louis van Gaal has been relieved of his duties as coach of Bayern Munich with immediate effect, the German club have confirmed.

The 59-year-old was due to leave the club at the end of the season but his departure has now been brought forward, with the club fourth in the Bundesliga and struggling to ensure qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Van Gaal led the club to the league title last season, his first at the club, and also to the final of the Champions League. His assistant Andries Jonker will take charge until the end of the season, when Jupp Heynckes will succeed him as the club’s new permanent boss.