[Archive 2018-06-13] Spanish Football Federation sacks Lopetegui as team's head coach one day before FIFA World Cup

Historical archive — originally published 2018-06-13. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

Today, the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (Royal Spanish Football Federation; RFEF) announced sacking Julen Lopetegui as the manager of Spanish men's national football team. This announcement came just a day after Spanish capital-football club Real Madrid announced reaching an agreement with Lopetegui as club's new head coach after the World Cup ends. This year's FIFA World Cup is to begin from tomorrow.

Rubiales said, "I do not feel betrayed. While he has been with us, Lopetegui has done an impeccable job." ((es))Spanish language: ‍No me siento traicionado. Lopetegui, mientras ha estado con nosotros, ha hecho un trabajo impecable. Sporting director Fernando Hierro was named as the national team's new head coach.

Julen Lopetegui was announced La Roja's manager on July 21, 2016. Lopetegui has been in-charge of the national team for 20 matches, winning fourteen and drawing the remaining six. Lopetegui was the manager of Spain's U-19 team from 2010 till 2012. Later, he handled sub-20 before moving to the U-21 team. He has also coached Portuguese club Porto FC.

Spain is scheduled to play their first group stage match against Portugal on Friday in Sochi. On May 22, RFEF announced Lopetegui renewing his contract, extending it to 2020.

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