File Photo: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match against Senegal at the Al Thumama Stadium on November 25, 2022. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)
DOHA: Qatar Football Association (QFA) and coach Felix Sanchez have decided to part ways.
Sanchez has led the Qatar senior national team for the past five and half years, during one of the most successful eras of Al Annabi.
After his contract finishes tomorrow, December 31, both Sanchez and QFA have jointly decided this is the right moment to begin a new chapter.
The QFA will decide on the new head coach to lead the next phase of the national team shortly.
QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani paid his sincere gratitude to Sanchez.
“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 Qatar 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," Sheikh Hamad said.
Sanchez has expressed his desire to pursue new opportunities, while also showing gratitude for his years with Al Annabi.
“The past five and half years with Qatar’s senior national team have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Sanchez said.
"I can only thank the QFA, Sheikh Hamad the President and the country’s leaders for the 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," Sanchez said.
Sanchez became the national coach in 2017 and guided them to victory in the Asian Cup two years later.
During his reign, Qatar also impressed the world by reaching the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup last year, where they lost to eventual champions United States.
