The 50-year-old also refused to assume his previous post as Spain's sporting director, the Royal Spanish Football Federation announced on Sunday.

Spain reached the World Cup knockout stage as group winners but failed to advance any further losing to hosts Russia 4-3 on penalties in the round of 16.

"The Spanish FA and Fernando Hierro put an end to their relationship once the participation of Spain in the World Cup has come to an end. The coach declined to return to his previous position as sporting director of the Spanish FA," the federation said on its official website.

Hierro replaced Julen Lopetegui as the national team's head coach just one day before the World Cup kick-off after Lopetegui had been sacked for negotiating with Real Madrid about becoming their new head coach without giving the federation any prior notification.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14 and will continue until July 15, with the final set to be played at the Luzhniki Stadium.