France ended three weeks of speculation yesterday when Roger Lemerre was appointed to succeed Aime Jacquet as coach of the world champions. Lemerre, Jacquet's assistant since last January, is a former coach of Lens who has been on the coaching staff of the French Football Federation for 12 years. The 57-year-old was chosen ahead of Monaco coach Jean Tigana and Auxerre's Guy Roux, whose clubs refused to release them.

Jacquet is taking on the role of director of coaching, replacing Gerald Houllier, who has moved to Liverpool as joint coach alongside Roy Evans.