Ruben Omar Romano, who coaches Cruz Azul, was dragged from his car and bundled into another vehicle by five men.

Police said they had few clues about who seized the 47-year-old but Mexico City has one of the worst records in the world for kidnappings -- usually for ransom.

Armed men in two 4x4 cars cut off his vehicle, fired an assault rifle and dragged him off, local media reports.

"Whoever's behind this kidnapping is a well-organised group," said police chief Joel Ortega.

He said no ransom demands had been received but local radio stations report the gang may have left a ransom note in a church asking for 5 million pesos (470,000 dollars).

Romano has been involved in Mexican club football for years having coached four other sides.

Mexico has one of the highest number of kidnappings in the world, with some 3,000 reported cases in 2003.