The 45-year-old becomes the sixth coach to lose his job in the Spanish top flight this season following the departures of Abel Resino (Atletico Madrid), Juan Carlos Mandia (Racing Santander), Marcelino Garcia Toral (Real Zaragoza), and Hugo Sanchez and Jose Angel Ziganda (both Xerez).

CNN: Valverde dismissed as Villarreal coach

"I'm happy and sad: On one hand I have my document to travel, but several friends like (Angel Moya) will not be allowed, " Yoani Sanchez wrote.

NPR: Cuba Dissidents Approved, Denied For Passports