QUITO, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Independiente del Valle has appointed Uruguayan Joaquin Papa as manager for the 2026 season, the Ecuadorian side said on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old replaces Spaniard Javier Rabanal, who left earlier this month after leading the club to its second top-flight title.

"Joaquin Papa takes charge. A leader, a guide, and above all, the head of this great family," read a statement on Independiente's website. "Welcome to a different club. Here we welcome him with the hope that we are in good hands."

Papa had been without a club after parting ways with Liverpool Montevideo on Dec. 12.

He will arrive in Ecuador on January 6, 2026, for pre-season training ahead of the start of the Serie A campaign in February. ■