Uruguay renews contract with coach Tabarez

Uruguay's long-serving coach Oscar Tabarez has signed a new deal to lead the national team for another four years, the country's football association (AUF) said on Friday.

The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty over the 71-year-old's future after the expiry of his previous contract in July. The Celeste were coached by interim manager Fabian Coito in their 4-1 friendly victory over Mexico in Houston earlier this month.

Tabarez's assistants Celso Otero, Mario Rebollo and Jose Herrera will also continue in their roles, the AUF said.

Known as El Maestro, or the teacher, Tabarez has been in charge of the Celeste since 2006 and guided the team to the quarterfinals of this year's World Cup in Russia, where they were eliminated by eventual champions France. He also coached the Celeste from 1988 to 1990.

In total, the former Boca Juniors boss has guided Uruguay to four World Cups during his two spells as coach: Italy in 1990, South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014 and Russia in 2018.

Uruguay's next matches are against South Korea on Oct. 12 and Japan four days later.

The AUF is currently under the control of a FIFA intervention committee pending the resolution of a disputed election in August.