Spain have announced that manager Julen Lopetegui has been dismissed following his appointment as Real Madrid manager, with their first game just 2 days away. It has also been announced that Fernando Hierro will be leading the team during the upcoming World Cup.
A statement from the Spanish Football Federation read:
"The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has decided to replace Spain's Head Coach, Julen Lopetegui, after recognising his professionalism and the "impeccable" work carried out with the National Team.
"We've been obliged to dismiss Julen Lopetegui because there are decisions that have to be taken due certain behaviours and values," pointed out the Federation's President, Luis Rubiales. Rubiales undestands the negotiation on behalf of Julen has been "legitimate", but "manners are important" and he does not agree with the way things were done.
"There has to be a clear message for all the Federation workers, there's a way of acting and delivering," and in this case there has been "an absence of the Federation's participation", he stated. Furthermore, he pointed out that the players "will do everything within their reach to achieve the best results of the World Cup". "Now we have to go work together," he concluded."