Maduro calls for Venezuela squad overhaul after World Cup dream ends | OneFootball

The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, called for a "restructuring of the technical committee" of his country's national football team on Wednesday (10), which was defeated on Tuesday by Colombia and lost the chance to advance to the playoffs of the 2026 World Cup.

The Colombians' 6-3 rout over La Vinotinto paved the way for Bolivia, who defeated Brazil 1-0 at the altitude of the city of El Alto.

"Yesterday we suffered a painful defeat. My solidarity to the entire football movement and to the Vinotinto," said Maduro at an event. "All of Venezuela demands a restructuring of the technical committee of the Vinotinto, a reorganization of the strategy, doctrine, line of combat and work of the Vinotinto".

The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) has not yet announced the expected decision to dismiss the current coach, Argentine Fernando "Bocha" Batista, who apologized for the result on Tuesday, but has not yet submitted his resignation from the post.

"I speak for millions of children and for all people. We have what it takes to compete, succeed and win. Therefore, we must correct what needs to be corrected and keep our heads up, never give up in the face of adversity or defeat. The day of the Vinotinto will come," insisted the president.

Venezuela is the only Conmebol country that has never competed in a World Cup. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams in 2026, which led to a greater number of places per region, gave the Vinotinto a chance for the first time.

Batista took over the Venezuelan team in March 2023, after the sudden departure of his compatriot José Pekerman, whom he was assisting. Venezuela was his first experience leading a main team.

Politics permeated the FVF. Its president, Jorge Jiménez, dubbed Maduro the "silent godfather of the Vinotinto".

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.