BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Long-time Barcelona assistant coach Rafel Navarro was hired to coach the Switzerland women’s team on Tuesday and replace Pia Sundhage .

Navarro signed a contract into the summer of 2029, the Swiss Football Association said, taking in the next Women’s World Cup and European Championship.

His appointment was announced hours after Switzerland was drawn in an initial World Cup qualifying group with Northern Ireland, Turkey and Malta. The Swiss will be favored to advance to playoff rounds where the team can qualify for the 2027 finals tournament in Brazil.

Barcelona’s women’s team won three Champions League titles and the Spanish league six times during Navarro’s six years on the coaching staff.

The 39-year-old Catalan was asked to install a “playing philosoph

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