2010 FIFA World Cup champions Spain have sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui for accepting the Real Madrid job before the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Lopetegui reportedly was in touch with Real Madrid during negotiations to get the job, without proper information to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

A statement by the Luis Rubiales president of the RFEF revealed that Lopetegui has been sacked.

He said, "We have decided to fire the national coach."What we have achieved in getting here is due in great part to him, and we must thank him and wish him luck."

The Spanish team faces neighbours Portugal in their World Cup group game and Rubiales stated that the team is focused on the encounter rather than the outgoing coach.

He said, "All this is a big blow, but we are training again later today, we will stay together and move forward," he said. "The players are very focused and they have told me they are fully committed and will give 100 per cent."

More to follow.....