Sampaoli resigns as Chile head coach

Jorge Sampaoli has stepped down as coach of Chile in the
wake of a disagreement with newly elected Football
Federation of Chile (ANFP) president Arturo Salah.
 became unsettled following the resignation of
former ANFP president Sergio Jadue in November amid a
corruption investigation during which he also came under
the spotlight.

The 55-year-old's attempt to negotiate a reduction in the
exit clause in his contract, which runs until 2018, was
initially refused by Salah, who confirmed his intention to
retain the Argentinian's services.

Sampaoli subsequently claimed he was being "held like a
hostage" by the ANFP in one of a number of subsequent
interviews in which he declared his desire to leave the role,
and the terms of his departure have now been agreed.

Salah said in a statement: "Now we will dedicate ourselves
to our priority, to do everything possible to qualify for the
World Cup in Russia in 2018."

Sampaoli's stock has risen considerably over the past year,
during which time he led Chile to their first ever major
honour on home soil at the 2015 Copa America.

The 55-year-old earned a nomination for the FIFA Coach of
the Year award, which he was beaten to the by Barcelona
boss Luis Enrique, and was linked to the manager's job at
Premier League champions Chelsea last month.