Fernando Santos has been fired as Portugal head coach, following their 2022 World Cup quarter-final exit to Morocco.
This was confirmed by the Portuguese federation (FPF) on Thursday.
The 68-year-old took charge in 2014 and guided Portugal to their first-ever senior international title when beating France in the final of Euro 2016. The former Greece national team boss also led the Seleccao to the 2019 UEFA Nations League title.
However, his tenure ended in disappointment in Qatar with a surprise 1-0 loss to Morocco. He had a contract that ran through Euro 2024.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and Fernando Santos agreed to end the highly successful journey that began in September 2014,” read a statement from the FPF.
“After one of the best participations ever by the National Team in the final stages of the World Cup, in Qatar, FPF and Fernando Santos understand that this is the right time to start a new cycle.
“The FPF Board will now begin the process of choosing the next national coach.”
There was controversy, too, as Santos decided to drop star man Cristiano Ronaldo for the team’s round of 16 game against Switzerland.
