Argentinian José Pékerman (73) has vacated his post as coach of the Venezuela national football team.
The Venezuelan Football Association FVF officially announced the “termination of the employment relationship” with Pékerman and national team manager Pascual Lezcano. South American media had previously reported.
“It is fundamental for the FVF that everyone who makes up our work team shares the highest standards of commitment and commitment,” said the association’s statement on Wednesday. In addition to the official explanation, various versions of the reason for Pékerman’s departure from Venezuela are circulating.
The crisis-ridden Venezuela, where baseball is also very popular, has never qualified for a soccer World Cup. The U20 reached the World Cup final in 2017 and raised hopes. Pékermann, who took office at the end of 2021, should also be responsible for the junior teams and set up a long-term project with a view to the 2026 World Cup. The veteran coach led Colombia to the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals and 2018 World Cup round of 16.