IFA holds crisis talks on Sanchez

Sanchez threw his IFA blazer into the crowd after the game

Lawrie Sanchez's future as Northern Ireland boss remains in doubt after the Irish Football Association held crisis talks on the matter on Thursday night.

The meeting was called after reports that Sanchez was set to quit despite Wednesday's shock win over Spain.

After the meeting, IFA president Jim Boyce said that movement to sort out the undisclosed "problem" was "highly unlikely" until early next week.

Boyce added that he had been unable to get in contact with Sanchez.

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Sanchez is attending a family funeral in England on Friday.

The IFA president has been unable to contact Sanchez despite making numerous attempts on Wednesday evening and Thursday.

"He (Sanchez)) hasn't responded to my phone calls although I understand today that he's under a lot of pressure," Boyce told the BBC on Thursday evening.

"He has a family funeral tomorrow but I am hoping I get the opportunity to speak to him.

"Whether Lawrie wants that opportunity or not is really up to him.

"Hopefully, the situation can be resolved in the best interests of football in Northern Ireland and the IFA.

"I do know that Lawrie spoke to our chief executive after the match and that the issue has nothing to do with the IFA."

Earlier in the day, Boyce had expressed optimism that Sanchez would see out the remainder of his contract but the IFA president's inability to contact the manager will increase suspicions that the former Wycombe boss could be about to depart.

I hope the issues can be sorted out IFA chief executive Howard Wells

The NI boss left the ground immediately without speaking to the media after his side beat Spain 3-2 at Windsor Park.

IFA chief executive Howard Wells had also refused to comment on speculation that Sanchez was set to quit.

Wells did admit that there were "some issues which need to be sorted out".

The IFA chief cited "personal reasons" for the manager's non-appearance at a post-match press conference and it is known that Sanchez did suffer a family bereavement in recent days.

The former Wycombe boss suffered criticism from press and supporters following the 3-0 defeat by Iceland in Saturday's opening Euro 2008 qualifier but a hat-trick by David Healy saw his side come from behind twice to beat the Spaniards.

After the final whistle, Sanchez threw his IFA blazer and tie into the crowd, a gesture which some perceived as a farewell to the Windsor Park fans.

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Wells told the BBC: "We are in the process of resolving some issues and will issue a statement if and when we have something to say.

"Football in Northern Ireland and the future of the national team is the priority and I hope the issues can be sorted out.

"Some of the media were severe in their criticism of him after the defeat by Iceland and that is where all this speculation started."