Mexican national team coach Miguel Herrera was fired Tuesday following a television reporter's claim that the man known as "El Piojo" punched him. The ouster came just two days after Herrera led Mexico to victory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. But Decio de Maria, who on Saturday becomes president of the Mexican Soccer Federation, said the incident with the journalist was not in keeping with "the spirit of fair and respectful competition" the organization espouses.

"Our values, our principles, are above any result," de Maria said at a news conference. "In our profession, our industry, the matches are never over, and as public figures who represent an institution we must be absolutely clear on that."

There was no comment from the coach on his firing, nor has he said anything publicly on the incident with the reporter. Herrera is the latest to depart from what has become a revolving-door job since Ricardo La Volpe of Argentina was the last to complete a four-year World Cup cycle as head of the team, known as "El Tri." Mexico has burned through 10 head coaches in the nine years since La Volpe departed after the 2006 World Cup in Germany. De Maria did not announce a replacement for Herrera, who led Mexico to the round of 16 at last year's World Cup.

The incident involving the coach and Television Azteca's Christian Martinoli took place Monday at Philadelphia's airport as the team prepared to return to Mexico following its 3-1 victory over Jamaica in the championship match. Martinoli accused Herrera of hitting him in the neck and then threatening him. "Nobody can be above a situation like the one that happened Monday in Philadelphia," de Maria said.