Al Sadd agree to release Xavi ahead of Barca switch

FILE PHOTO: Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez waves to supporters after their Spanish first division soccer match against Deportivo de la Coruna at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, May 23, 2015. REUTERS

Xavi Hernandez is free to take over as head coach of Barcelona after the Catalan club paid the release clause in his contract with Al Sadd, the Qatari team said on Friday.

Al Sadd agreed to release Xavi, who is set to take the reins at his former club following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.