Felix Sanchez has left his role as Qatar manager by mutual consent following the country’s failure at the World Cup last month, where they performed worse than any other host country in history.
They lost all three of their group matches, conceding seven goals and scoring just once.
Sanchez, who previously coached at the Aspire Academy, Qatar’s elite player development centre, had been in charge for over five years. His contract, which expired on December 31, was not be renewed.
The QFA will decide on the new head coach to lead the next phase of the national team shortly, but would like to express its most sincere gratitude to coach Felix, in the words of HE QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: “Felix has been not only our coach, but also our friend.”
The football family of Qatar will always be grateful for the success he has brought to Qatari football over the years. Coach Felix will always have a special place with us, and we hope he always thinks of Qatar as his home”.
Sanchez has expressed a desire to pursue new opportunities, while also showing gratitude for his years at the QFA:
“The past five years with Qatar’s senior national team have been a once in a lifetime opportunity. I can only thank the QFA, HE Sheikh Hamad the president, and the country’s leaders for their trust and support during a period in which we achieved a lot together.
“Qatar, its people, and its football will always be in my heart. Now is a good time to let others take on the responsibility of the team and for me to explore new challenges”
