MOSCOW (FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers) – Russia will have a new coach at the helm for the start of their FIBA EuroBasket Women 2019 Qualifiers in November after they fired Alexander Vasin.

The play-caller was punished for Russia's shock exit in Prague last month when they not only failed to make the Quarter-Finals of EuroBasket Women 2017 – despite being a frontrunner; but also now face missing the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018.

Many had tipped Russia to get back onto the podium for the first time since 2011, but Vasin was unable to prevent his side from crashing out.

"The Russian Federation of Basketball wants to thank Alexander Vasin for the work done," said its President, Andrei Kirilenko.

"There are no questions about his contribution and dedication. But, the evaluation of the coach's work is affected by the results of the team, and alas, it was unsatisfactory.

"We wish him success and good luck in the future as he is one of the strongest female Russian coaches.

"To date, we have terminated cooperation with him in the national team, but we will definitely consult on issues of our women's basketball.

"For me, his opinion is still very important."

Russia lost a nail-biter 76-75 to Belgium in the Group stage and then were eliminated by Greece, who won 62-58 to advance to the last eight at the expense of their opponents.

FIBA