Qatar FA extends Sanchez's contract to 2022

The move comes months after Felix Sanchez led Qatar to the Asian Cup title – the nation's first continental title in its history, beating Japan 3-1 in the final.

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez celebrates after leading his side to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup title.

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced on Monday that it had extended coach Felix Sanchez's contract as head of the national team until 2022.

The reason behind the decision was “to continue the technical stability of the national team, which won the AFC Asian Cup title in Jan-Feb this year”, said a statement from the association.

Spaniard Felix Sanchez led Qatar to the Asian Cup title – the nation's first continental title in its history, beating Japan 3-1 in the final.

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Sanchez, a former Barcelona youth coach, joined Qatar's national academy in 2006 and worked his way through the ranks.

Qatar, which will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has been drawn in a group with Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay in the Copa America, which begins on June 14 in Brazil.

Qatar's inclusion in the Copa America – along with that of Japan – initially raised eyebrows but both teams reached the Asian Cup final.

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Qatar's victory, notably achieved in the backyard of political rival United Arab Emirates, would help boost the country's “football” reputation, Sanchez said in February.