KUWAIT CITY (AFP) - Hundreds of Kuwaitis marched outside parliament calling for the country´s football federation to step down after the national team´s poor showing in the Gulf Cup.

The Kuwaiti team bowed out from the tournament after the first round following two defeats by Oman and host nation United Arab Emirates and a draw with underdogs Yemen.

"Resignation or sacking ... Kuwait´s honour is more important," read banners carried by demonstrators, referring to the federation´s board.

A number of lawmakers addressed the gathering. Parliament is scheduled to hold a special session on February 20 to debate the situation of sports in the oil-rich emirate.

Kuwait´s national team, which has won the Gulf Cup more than any other team, has fared badly in recent tournaments. The coach was sacked after failing to take the Gulf side to the 2007 Asian Cup finals.