Sevilla sporting director Oscar Arias is to leave at the end of this season, but coach Vincenzo Montella has kept his job after an emergency board meeting yesterday.

Jose Castro, the president of Sevilla, spoke after the meeting that reportedly went on for a number of hours.

He said, "The Board of Directors has taken the decision that the sports director, Oscar Arias, will leave at the end of the league. He will carry out other responsibilities. The club are already working to find his replacement."

On Montella, he said, "We feel that with reinforcements and with support, we are confident that he will take us to Europe. We have transmitted our confidence in him."

Montella's job was on the line after the 5-0 Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona on Saturday.