The Spanish stand – in coach was due to return to his former post as Sporting Director at the Spanish Football Federation.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced in a statement, 8 July 2018; the departure of Fernando Hierro, under whose command the Spanish National Football team was knocked out from the World Cup. The Spaniards finished top of Group B, only to be knocked out at the last-16 stage following a penalty shootout defeat to Russia.
OFICIAL | Fernando Hierro y la RFEF comunican que, pese a tener contrato en vigor como Director Deportivo, declina seguir en el cargo.
🔗 https://t.co/Gm7PwfhqSO pic.twitter.com/Pkpi8Bgpwu— RFEF (@rfef) July 8, 2018
After many kilometers of walking together, the Royal Spanish Football Federation and Fernando Hierro put an end to their relationship once the participation of Spain in the World Cup in Russia has ended.
Hierro who refused to return to his previous position as Sports Director of the RFEF to seek new horizons and undertake new professional challenges, took charge of Spain after previous coach; Julen Lopetegui was sacked. Julen had agreed to become Real Madrid coach after the World Cup.
Hierro played 89 games as Spanish international and scored 29 goals in matches during World Cups of 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002 and in the Euro Cups of 1996 and 2000.
The RFEF wants to thank Fernando Hierro for his commitment and sense of responsibility when he takes the lead in the national team in extraordinary situations as well as in the performance of all his duties, which will always be his home.
Hierro was the RFEF Director of Sports on two occasions; first between 2007 and 2011 when Spain won the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup, second from November 2017 until July 2018.