Spain head into Friday’s World Cup clash with Portugal in disarray after manager Julen Lopetegui’s shock sacking.
Real Madrid announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui would succeed Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu on a three-year deal.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) subsequently dismissed the 51-year-old because the negotiation occurred “without any information to the RFEF”.
Fernando Hierro has been appointed as Lopetegui’s successor and he faces a baptism of fire against Portugal on Friday.
In what is expected to be a shoot-out for top spot in Group B, Portugal and Spain know victory will stand them in good stead for a place in the last 16.