World Cup 2018: Spain coach Fernando Hierro quits role with Spanish Football Federation after Russia exit
Stand-in boss who replaced Julen Lopetegui at last minute declined to return to previous position of sports director
SPAIN coach Fernando Hierro has quit his role with the Spanish Football Federation.
The stand-in boss, 50, who replaced Julen Lopetegui at the last minute before Spain's doomed World Cup campaign, has turned down the option to return to his previous role of sports director.
The 2010 champions crashed out of Russia after losing to the hosts in a penalty shootout where keeper Igor Akinfeev was the hero.
A statement on Spain football's official website read: "After many kilometres 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 ended.
"The last Spanish coach declined to return to his previous position as sports director of the RFEF to seek new horizons and undertake new professional challenges.
"After two stages as sports director of the Federation, the first between 2007 and 2011 - coinciding with the best stage of the National Soccer Team, which won the 2008 European Championship with Luis Aragonés as coach and the 2010 World Cup with Vicente del Bosque- and the second from November 2017 until now, 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.
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"The Federation wants to highlight the professional and human values of an extraordinary athlete.
"Thanks for everything, Fernando!"
Hierro was given the hotseat after Lopetetgui left the role to become Real Madrid's new manager.
Spain drew 3-3 with Portugal in his first match in charge, beat Iran 1-0 and went behind to Morocco before salvaging a 2-2 draw.
Diego Costa appeared to clash with Hierro moments before the penalty defeat to Russia.
The former Chelsea striker reportedly warned Hierro not to let Koke take a penalty.
Koke's spot-kick was saved by Russia keeper Igor Akinfeev as Spanish hopes died at the Luzhniki Stadium.