Spain to hold press conference amid rumours of Lopetegui sacking

KRASNODAR, Russia (Reuters) - Spain will hold a news conference on Wednesday amid rumours that coach Julen Lopetegui might be sacked, two days before their opening World Cup match against Portugal.

(Reuters)

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Twitter that the news conference would take place at the team's World Cup base in Krasnodar at 0930 GMT (1230 local time).

Real Madrid announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui, who had only recently extended his contract with Spain, would take over as their coach next season.

The RFEF then said that Lopetegui would leave his job with Spain after the World Cup.

But multiple media reports on Wednesday said that RFEF president Luis Rubiales was so angry at Lopetegui's conduct that he was prepared to fire him immediately.

Spain are unbeaten in 20 matches since Lopetegui took over following Euro 2016.

(Writing by Brian Homewood in Bern; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)