Julen Lopetegui has been dismissed as Spain Coach one day before the start of the World Cup after his agreed move to Real Madrid.
The head of the RFEF Luis Rubiales was said to be ‘furious’ and ‘deeply upset’ of Tuesday’s announcement that the former goalkeeper would join Madrid after the World Cup.
Such news had taken the RFEF unaware and came just 21 days after the national team boss had put pen to paper on a new contract through to 2020.
Radio Marca had reported Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta led a delegation of players who requested to the RFEF (Spanish FA) to reverse their decision to dismiss the Coach, but this did not hold any weight.
Rubiales is said to believe the announcement would disrupt squad unity ahead of the tournament and that the confirmation should only have come after the conclusion of the competition.
A news conference supposed to be jointly held by the two had been swiftly scheduled for Wednesday morning, but only Rubiales was present as he confirmed the departure of Lopetegui.
Early suggestions are that Under-21 Coach Albert Celades and the RFEF’s Fernando Hierro – both former Madrid players – may step into the breach.
More to follow.
