Murat Yakin is to step down as coach of Russia's nine-time champions Spartak Moscow after he failed to secure them a place in next season's European competitions the club announced on Saturday.

The 40-year-old former Swiss international -- who made his name as a coach with Basel the team he enjoyed most success with as an uncompromising centreback -- has only been with Spartak for a season but the board regarded a sixth-placed finish was not good enough.

"Spartak management and the club head coach (Murat) Yakin decided to cancel the contract by mutual agreement after the end of the current season," the club official site stated.

Spartak are six points adrift of the final European spot for next season, presently held by city rivals Dynamo, with just one game remaining.