Irish Football Association chief executive Howard Wells has refused to clear up the mystery surrounding Lawrie Sanchez's future, following local claims that he is ready to leave his post as manager.

Asked directly if Sanchez had discussed quitting his job with him, Wells told BBC TV Northern Ireland: "What we discussed last night is that for personal reasons he would prefer not to do the post-match interviews.

"I respected that opinion. That is the basis on what we had a conversation. I agreed to talk to the media myself. We also agreed we would discuss things more clearly in the morning."

The IFA are due to release a statement later but Wells stressed: "We are not putting out a statement about his future but about him not attending the post-match interview.

"I have not had that conversation (about his future) with him. The speculation has not been started by the IFA but by the media. It has been a traumatic week for Lawrie. There has been a lot of presssure following the Iceland game."

Northern Ireland lost that match 3-0 but recovered superbly to defeat Spain 3-2 at Windsor Park last night. Sanchez was then seen taking off his jacket and tie and throwing them into the crowd.

Wells added: "I spoke to Lawrie two days ago and as far as I was concerned he was under no pressure from the IFA, me personally or the president (Jim Boyce) with regards to the match against Spain.

"That remains the position."