Molina succeeds Hierro as RFEF sporting director

Former Spain goalkeeper Jose Molina has been announced as the Royal Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) new sporting director, succeeding Fernando Hierro after the nation's World Cup humiliation.

Spain's campaign in Russia was thrown into turmoil just two days before their opener against Portugal on June 15, when Julen Lopetegui was sacked as a result of accepting a post-tournament role with Real Madrid.

Hierro stepped in and took the reins, leaving his full-time job as sporting director to one side as he attempted to get Spain back on track.

Although they finished top of Group B, Spain lost to hosts Russia on penalties in the last 16 and Hierro subsequently left his post as coach, before also resigning as a director.