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Venezuela Manager Dudamel Resigns Amid Rift With Federation

Antonio Lacerda/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

CARACAS (AP) – Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel resigned on Thursday, citing a rift between him and executives of the country's soccer federation.

Dudamel said the rift would affect the team's preparations for the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts in March.

“I think this is the best for the national team. My relationship with management deteriorated quickly in recent times, and it was very complicated to continue in the current conditions,” Dudamel said.

The 46-year-old Dudamel announced the decision on Twitter. The coach, who also played for Venezuela as a goalkeeper, took the job in 2016.