Spain earmark new President & Coach?

Spain reportedly plan to install AFE chief Luis Rubiales as their new President and ex-Under-21 boss Julen Lopetegui as their new Coach after Euro 2016.

According to Marca, Villar is being increasingly viewed as UEFA’s permanent leader after bringing calmness back to the organisation in his interim stint since Michel Platini’s suspension last October.

This comes despite his initial intentions of returning to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) as he considers throwing his hat into the UEFA ring on July 20, when candidacies must be formalised.

Consequently, the newspaper claims Villar has identified Rubiales as his rightful heir, the former defender meeting the 66-year-old’s preference of an ex-player taking the reins.

Rubiales is best known for leading the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) to potential strike action in May 2015, on the final matchday of the 2014-15 season, after a disagreement over the distribution of television rights, which was eventually settled.

Marca adds Villar has been informed that Vicente del Bosque will leave Spain after Euro 2016, regardless of their performance.

Marcelino was thought to have been Spain’s preferred choice to succeed Del Bosque, but his new Villarreal contract has priced him out of the running as La Roja would rather employ a Spanish Coach who is unattached.

Lopetegui guided Spain Under-21s to the 2013 European Championship but failed to win any silverware in two subsequent years with Porto, prompting his dismissal last January.

Tags AFE Angel Maria Villar Julen Lopetegui Luis Rubiales RFEF Spain Spanish Football Federation Vicente Del Bosque
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