Ante Milicic has left his post as coach of China's national women's team, the football association said on Friday, eight months before the World Cup.

The 52-year-old Australian had been in charge since May 2024 and led China to the semi-finals of the Women's Asian Cup in March.

That earned them a spot at next year's World Cup in Brazil.

"After friendly communication and consultations between both sides and considering Mr. Ante Milicic's family situation, the Chinese Football Association has decided he will no longer serve as head coach," the CFA said in a statement.

Milicic's foreign coaching staff will also leave, the CFA said, thanking them for their "hard work".

It did not immediately name a successor.

Milicic recently took China to fourth place at the Asian Games in Japan after losing 2-0 to North Korea in the semi-finals.