Julen Lopetegui sacked by Spain a day before World Cup starts | OneFootball

Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that he will leave his post as Spanish national team boss with immediate effect.

The 51-year-old was announced as the new Real Madrid boss for next season on Tuesday.

And that his since thrown the Spanish Football Federation into disarray, with chief Luis Rubiales reportedly only finding out about the news five minutes before the official press release from the European champions.

As such, it’s been revealed that Lopetegui will depart his role, a day before the tournament kicks off, and just two days before their first game against Portugal.

It’s an unprecedented move from La Roja, with Rubiales thought to be ‘furious’ over Lopetegui’s ‘betrayal’.

In a hastily announced press conference, the Federation president said: “We have been forced to break our agreement with Julen Lopetegui.

“Lopetegui has been a great Coach. But we cannot accept this behaviour.

“This has been done without our knowledge. I do not feel betrayed. But this is how it must be.”