The decision to relieve Benitez of his duties was taken
after a meeting by the board following a surprising loss to bottom of the table
club, Norwich City on Saturday.
Benitez leaves the club just six months into his contract
and has now managed four different Premier League clubs.
The Toffees have won just once in the Premier League since
September; sit 15th in the table, and six points above the relegation zone. The
poor run of form have led to Everton fans calling for the sack of the former
Liverpool boss.
A statement from the Premier League club said: “Everton
Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as first-team
manager.
“Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the club
with immediate effect. An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due
course.”