SANTIAGO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chile's 2015 Copa America-winning coach Jorge Sampaoli stepped down on Tuesday after a row with the country's top football official.

The 55-year-old Argentinian declared his wish to leave the position in December after the departure of his friend Sergio Jadue as president of the Chilean football federation.

Last week Sampaoli said he "felt like a hostage" after Jadue's successor, Arturo Salah, refused to reduce an exit clause in his contract.

In a statement, Salah said the Chilean federation would move swiftly to appoint a new coach.

"Now we will dedicate ourselves to our priority, to do everything possible to qualify for the World Cup in Russia in 2018," he said.

Sampaoli was hailed as a hero in Chile last July when he led the national team to their first Copa America title on home soil.