Sergio Batista seems to be on the way out as Argentina coach following the team's exit in the quarterfinals of the Copa America.

German Lerche, a top-ranking official of the Argentine Football Association, said in an interview yesterday that Batista's future was in doubt. He said the situation could be taken up at a meeting Monday of the AFA.

Lerche, who is also president of the Colon club and AFA's technical secretary, called the Copa America a "sporting failure" for Argentina, which is the host for the South American championship which ends Sunday.

"This situation, which smells like a failure, invites us to analyze the subject in depth. And it has to do with the coach continuing or not," Lerche said yesterday in an interview with TyC television.

Argentina has not won a major trophy in 18 years and last won a World Cup 25 years ago. The Copa America was seen a perfect chance to break through, playing as the host nation and led by Barcelona star Lionel Messi.