Reports said Du and Zhang showed disrespect to the coaching staff and had a negative effect on the team's unity, which cost them their international opportunities.

But CFA official Wei Shaohui denied that was the reason for the players' dismissal.

"These players failed to reach the standard during training and warm-up competitions. Especially Zhang and Du, we had great expectations of them but they failed to make it," Wei said. "If we're not strict, not ruthless at this stage, how will we be able to take on the World Cup and qualify?"

But local media questioned China's ability to find replacements in time to jell as a team ahead of the Iraq qualifier.

"It's unknown whether this is to dupe the opposition or just to fool ourselves," a commentary in the Beijing News said. "Du and Zhang have proven they are the best players in the backfield in the domestic league. We do not see any reason to dump them."

Wei insisted cutting Du and Zhang was a good way to motivate the remaining players to work even harder.

But reports suggested the atmosphere in the locker room is cold and heavy since they left.

"There was very good relationships among teammates before. But now there is nothing left. They are numb about the changes," a player, who refused to be identified, told Sina.com.

Another player told the website the two defenders' dismissal is a result of some "unknown" reasons rather than their sub-par performances.

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