QFA sack Marquez Lopez; appoints Garcia as head coach

DOHA: Asian champions Qatar have parted ways with coach Marquez Lopez after a poor showing in World Cup qualifiers and promoted his assistant Luis Garcia as new boss, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced on Wednesday.

Spaniard Lopez led Qatar to their second Asian Cup title in a row in February after replacing Carlos Queiroz last December. Former Spain international Garcia, who has also managed La Liga team Espanyol, joined Qatar as his No 2 at the same time.

“All appreciation and gratitude to coach Marquez Lopez for his dedication and the achievements he brought during his time leading our national team. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours,” the Qatar FA posted on X.

Garcia will take charge at the Arabian Gulf Cup later this month, which will be held in Kuwait. The 43-year-old Garcia expressed his gratitude to both the QFA and coach Lopez for the “opportunity to lead the senior national team in the Arabian Gulf Cup.”