July 05, (THEWILL) – 
Ecuador’s football federation (FEF) has dismissed head coach Felix Sanchez following the national team’s elimination from the 2024 Copa America. The decision came after Ecuador’s quarter-final defeat to Argentina in a penalty shootout on Thursday.
The 48-year-old Spanish coach had been at the helm of Ecuador’s national team since March 2023, operating under a four-year contract. During his tenure, he guided Ecuador to the quarter-finals of the Copa America for the third time in four editions. However, the team’s exit at the hands of defending champions Argentina prompted the FEF to make a change in leadership.
In a statement, the FEF expressed gratitude for Sanchez’s contributions, saying: “We thank Felix and his coaching staff for their work and professionalism, and wish him success in his future endeavours.” The federation did not immediately announce a successor to Sanchez.
Prior to his role with Ecuador, Sanchez had achieved notable success with Qatar, leading them to their first-ever Asian Cup title in 2019. Despite Ecuador’s Copa America exit, Sanchez had remained optimistic about the team’s future, particularly in view of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers scheduled for September. Ecuador currently holds fifth place in the South American World Cup qualifying standings.
The search for a new head coach comes at a crucial time for Ecuador, as they look to build on their recent performances and prepare for future competitions. The FEF will likely be seeking a candidate who can continue developing the young talent within the squad while aiming for success in both continental and international tournaments.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
