Overview
- The Venezuelan federation announced it has terminated Batista and his entire staff, citing unmet sporting objectives for the cycle.
- A 6-3 home defeat to Colombia ended the campaign, and Bolivia’s win over Brazil secured the intercontinental playoff berth.
- Venezuela finished eighth in CONMEBOL qualifying with 18 points, falling short of automatic and playoff spots.
- Nicolás Maduro publicly urged changes in the national team’s technical direction before the announcement.
- Batista described the exit as a mutual decision and thanked supporters, and the FVF has started searching for a new staff, with local reports naming Luis Zubeldía as a candidate.