Former Bafana Bafana and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz has been sacked as head coach of Qatar just days before the 2024 AFC Asian Cup.
Queiroz was appointed as new coach of Qatar in February, following their group-stage exit as hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He had some highs and lows during his 10 months in charge, winning five of their 12 games, while losing five as well. The highlight was a qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2023 Golden Cup, where they beat Mexico 1-0.
Qatar had won their first two qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup comfortably 8-1 over Afghanistan and 3-0 over India, which makes the decision to sack Queiroz more surprising.
“The Qatar Football Association announces the end of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz’s tenure as head coach of the Qatar national team by mutual agreement between the two parties,” the QFA said in a statement.
“We express our sincere gratitude to Queiroz for his dedication, leadership, and contributions during his tenure as the head coach of the national team. We wish him success in his future endeavours.”
Qatar have already announced Queiroz’s replacement, with Tintin Marquez taking charge of the Asian side.
Roger de Sa has been Queiroz’s assistant since his appointment and it remains unclear if the South African, who is now living in Qatar, will remain with the FA.
