Chile's 2015 Copa America-winning coach Jorge Sampaoli has stepped down after a row with the country's top football official.
The 55-year-old Argentinian declared his wish to leave the position in December after the departure of his friend Sergio Jadue as president of the Chilean football federation, reports Xinhua.
Last week Sampaoli said he "felt like a hostage" after Jadue's successor, Arturo Salah, refused to reduce an exit clause in his contract.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Salah said the Chilean federation would move swiftly to appoint a new coach.
"Now we will dedicate ourselves to our priority, to do everything possible to qualify for the World Cup in Russia in 2018," he said.
Sampaoli was hailed as a hero in Chile last July when he led the national team to their first Copa America title on home soil. He was also nominated for the FIFA World Coach of the Year award, though, Luis Enrique left Sampaoli and Pep Guardiola behind to win the award.
