Fernando Hierro leaves Spain after the disappointment of the World Cup | Soccer

Fernando Hierro, Spain's substitute coach during the World Cup, must leave the Spanish Football Federation after refusing the opportunity to resume his former role as sports director.

Hierro instead decided to "seek new horizons" and undertake new professional challenges, "RFEF said in a statement.The 50-year-old took the lead in Spain after Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the tournament after agreeing to become coach of Real Madrid after the tournament.

Under Hierro, Spain finished first in Group B last-16 step following a defeat on penalties against Russia.The former Real Madrid defender has been the sports director of the Federation twice, between 2007 and 2011 – the national team won the European Championships and the World Cup – and again from November 2017.

For its part, the Spanish Football Federation and Fernando Hierro put an end to their relationship after the end of the Spanish campaign at the World Cup in Russia, "said RFEF . "The most recent coach of Spain's national team refused [the opportunity] to return to his previous position as RFEF's Sports Director and wants to seek new horizons and take on new professional challenges. "

"The Federation would like to thank Fernando Hierro for his commitment and sense of responsibility, both in taking charge of the national team in extraordinary circumstances and in the way he has fulfilled all his duties in an organization whose doors will always be open to him.The Federation would also like to highlight the professional and human values ​​of an extraordinary sportsman to whom it wishes the best of luck for the future. "