Spain sack coach Julen Lopetegui after he takes up Real Madrid job

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) sacked coach Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday, two days before their opening World Cup match against Portugal.

In the news conference held at team's World Cup base in Krasnodar, RFEF president Luis Rubiales said, "We have been forced to dispense with the national coach. We wish him the greatest of luck."

According to a report in The Guardian, he added, "The negotiations have occurred without any information to the Spanish FA and we were informed just five minutes before the press release. There’s a way to act that needs to be fulfilled."

Real Madrid announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui, who had only recently extended his contract with Spain, would take over as their coach next season, replacing Zinedine Zidane.

The RFEF then said that Lopetegui would leave his job with Spain after the World Cup.

Multiple media reports on Wednesday said that RFEF president Luis Rubiales was so angry at Lopetegui's conduct that he was prepared to fire him immediately. Turns out he kept his word. He was supposed to attend the FIFA Congress in Moscow, but he flew to Krasnodar to deal with the matter.

RFEF is yet to announce Lopetegui's replacement.

Spain are unbeaten in 20 matches since Lopetegui took over following Euro 2016.

(With Agencies Inputs)