Felix Sanchez has extended his contract as coach of Qatar’s national team through to the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Qatar, the country’s Football Association said on Monday.
Spaniard Sanchez led the team as head coach to the Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January.
He had been appointed to replace Jorge Fossati during the final stages of the country’s failed attempt to qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.
The Asian Cup win, when Qatar defeated Japan in the final in Abu Dhabi, was the country’s first major trophy.
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It was achieved with a squad that is expected to form the bulk of the side at the World Cup finals in three years’ time.
Sanchez has spent much of his coaching career in Qatar, working at the Aspire Academy before leading the nation to the Asian Under-19 title in 2014.
The 43-year-old has a long-standing relationship with many of the current squad.
He retains the position in spite of speculation the QFA was on the hunt for a high-profile coach to lead the team into the World Cup finals.
Sanchez’s next task will be to take Qatar to the Copa America finals in Brazil in June, where they are one of two invited sides.(NAN)