Berlin: German Bundesliga football side Hoffenheim has ended its contract with manager Ernst Tanner with immediate effect.

Head coach Markus Babbel will take over the squad planning for the upcoming season.

"We as partners after many discussions came to the conclusion that a separation is the best solution for both sides. The reason behind the separation, is a different opinion of the future alignment of the sportive department," chairman Dietmar Hopp was quoted as saying by Xinhua Thursday.

Tanner said: "I had three exciting and eventful years here I do not want to miss. I will follow the path of Hoffenheim and I wish the club all the best."

Tanner joined Hoffenheim as junior coordination of 1860 Munich in 2009 to replace sports director Jan Schindelmeiser a year later. In July 2011, he additionally assumed duties of the chief executive officer.

Hoffenheim sit on a disappointing 12th position in the league standings with 30 points.(IANS)