Carlos Queiroz sacked by Qatar after 11 games in charge

Carlos Queiroz has been sacked as manager of the Qatar national team, a position he only took in February when he signed a four-year contract.

The National understands that Queiroz was contacted by the Qatar Football Association last week, who told him that his contract would be terminated. The Portuguese coach, 70, flew to Doha on Monday, where the decision was confirmed face-to-face.

He was in charge for 11 games, winning four, drawing three and losing four after replacing Felix Sanchez as manager. It means Qatar will have to appoint a new manager for the delayed 2023 Asian Cup which they are hosting and takes place January 12-February 10, 2024.

"The Qatar Football Association has announced that Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz's tenure as head coach of the Qatar national team has ended amicably by mutual agreement between the two parties," the QFA said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The QFA expresses its sincere gratitude to coach Queiroz for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and contributions during his tenure as the head coach of the national team. We wish him success in his future endeavours."

Replacing Queiroz as manager will be Spanish coach Marquez Lopez, who is currently in charge of Qatari club side Al-Wakrah, and will have little time to put his stamp on the squad before the delayed 2023 Asian Cup.

Qatar took over hosting duties for the tournament, which takes place January 12-February 10 next year, due to the impact of the Covid pandemic on original hosts China.

The former Real Madrid and Portugal coach, who has worked extensively across the world, was given the task of renewing an ageing team that had performed poorly in the World Cup they hosted, losing all three group-stage games.

He was also tasked with