The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) officially announced on Thursday that Fernando Batista has been dismissed from his position as head coach of the national team.

According to the official statement, the main reason for Batista's dismissal was that "the national team failed to achieve the established competitive goals during this cycle." The statement pointed out: "The Football Association recognizes the efforts and dedication shown by the players, but still believes that the direction must be adjusted to ensure that the 'Clarets' continue to move forward in the process of growth and consolidation.

"Under Batista's leadership, the national team showed competitiveness and made some technical and tactical progress, but the final results failed to meet the expectations of the country and the Football Association."

Batista, 55, has coached several youth teams in Armenia and Argentina and is considered a representative figure of Argentina's middle-aged coaching generation. He followed José Pekerman to Venezuela as assistant coach in 2021 and succeeded him as head coach of the national team in October 2023.

During his tenure, Batista led Venezuela to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América, but only managed a record of 4 wins, 6 draws and 8 losses in the World Cup qualifiers. His term, originally scheduled to last until 2027, ended prematurely after Venezuela lost 3-6 to Colombia and was eliminated.

After confirming his dismissal, Batista issued a statement saying: "From today, my cooperation with the Venezuelan Football Association has officially ended. After consultation, both parties decided to put an end to my coaching journey with the 'Clarets'."

"Our goal throughout was to lead Venezuela to their first World Cup qualification. Having failed to achieve that goal, I am forced to step down. I firmly believe that this decision is the best one for the national team moving forward."

"I want to thank the federation for their continued support, especially president Jorge Gimenez. He has always stood by us and provided all the resources we needed to achieve our goals."

"I particularly value the players' discipline and dedication to defending the national team at all times."

"Thank you to the Venezuelan people for their cheers and support in every game. We always feel the support and enthusiasm of the fans, and they deserve the best in return."

“We leave with the confidence that we gave it our all and with hope for the continued development of Venezuela – a country with boundless talent and a bright future. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Batista's successor is currently unknown. The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) said in a statement: "The FVF reaffirms its commitment to the development of national football and will immediately begin the process of forming a new coaching team to face the next World Cup cycle with a firm attitude."