Former Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Queiroz has cut ties with the Qatar national team, having penned a four-year deal with the side not so long ago.
Queiroz joined Qatar in February 2023 after the country hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament which Argentina won, led by Lionel Messi. The former South Africa mentor, Queiroz, took over the coaching reins at Qatar from Felix Sanchez.
Both parties succumbed to a decision to part ways on a mutual agreement. The Asian nation is set to host the Asian Cup in a month.
Queiroz leaves the side having secured victories over Afghanistan and India last month. This was in the second round of Asia’s preliminaries for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifications.
QATAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL STATEMENT
“The Qatar Football Association [QFA] has confirmed 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,” read the statement.
“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.”
CARLOS QUEIROZ’S SUCCESSOR CONFIRMED
The QFA named Marquez Lopez as Queiroz’s replacement to keep the momentum going. Lopez will be in charge of the side during the 2023 Asian Cup.
“The coach will be in charge of the Qatar national team at the 2023 Asian Cup, which will be hosted in Qatar next year,” the statement further revealed.
“The QFA expresses gratitude and appreciation to Al-Wakrah Sports Club for their cooperation and consent in facilitating Coach Marquez Lopez’s appointment. He will be the national team head coach for the upcoming period.”
Qatar will be hoping to defend the Asian Cup next month. They are set to lock horns with China, Tajikistan, and Lebanon in the group stage.
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