Ahead of kick off, FIFA World Cup hit by first controversy

FIFA World Cup 2018 has begun with its first controversy hitting the tournament and creating turmoil.

Even before the teams took their position on the ground, coaches and football associations have levelled allegations against each other, with some even preferring to change their sides.

With less than 24 hours left for the carnival to start, Spanish national team has been plunged into crisis after its former coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked by the country's football association after reports emerged of him signing a three-year-contract with Real Madrid.

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Left with no option, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced it had dismissed the 51-year-old because negotiations occurred without any information to the football association.

The termination was surely a first of its kind incident in FIFA World Cup's history, with the association describing it as an "obligation".

Hours later, another news surfaced that Spain sporting director Fernando Hierro replaced Lopetegui with immediateeffect and will coach the team which is already in Russia for the tournament.

Lopetegui became Spain's manager in 2016 following Vicente del Bosque's retirement and remained unbeaten through his reign. Under him, Spain won 14 of 20 games with Lopetegui in charge, drawing the remaining six.

The stats highlight two reasons behind his exit - either he made a foolish decision or it was a forced one.

Though Spain is not a team of World-Cup contenders but they surely a tough competitor.

The country will now be coached by a footballer with 89 caps for Spain, but will he be able to turn the tables in his team's favour, is yet to be seen.