Spain have called a press conference this morning where they are expected to sack Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup.
Coach Lopetegui and RFEF president Luis Rubiales are expected to be present with sources in Spain claiming Lopetegui will be sacked following the announcement he will take over as Real Madrid manager.
That would send Spain’s World Cup campaign into chaos with their first game against Portugal on Friday.
Yesterday Real Madrid announced the Spain boss would take over as their new manager following Spain’s involvement in the World Cup.
Rubiales is said to be fuming at the announcement, only learning about it 15 minutes before it was made public, after Lopetegui signed a new deal with Spain until 2020 on May 22.
Spain are among the favourites for the tournament but face a huge task should Lopetegui go.
It is being claimed the most likely candidates to replace him are Under 21 manager Albert Celades or Fernando Hierro.
Spain open their campaign on Friday against Portgual before facing Iran and Morocco.
The press in Spain were split on the decision to make the announcement of the appointment now.
Spanish newspaper SPORT branded the appointment as ‘reprehensible’.
“The consequences of it can be disastrous for the Spanish team,” wrote Lluis Miguelsanz.
“What is clear is that Lopetegui has been negotiating his future as the new Los Blancos coach while preparing for the World Cup, something that is ethically already reprehensible.