Armenia to unveil new coach

The Armenian Football Federation (AFF) is close to unveiling its new national team coach.

Previous coach
Armenia are currently one of only two nations in Europe without a coach after the previous incumbent, Varuzhan Sukiasyan, was sacked on 6 October 2001 following a 4-1 loss against Norway in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Meeting due
After four months without a coach, the AFF says that an appointment is imminent. The likely candidate is FC Shirak and Armenia Under-21 coach Andranik Adamyan, who met AFF president Suren Abrahamyan on Wednesday.

Athens date
In January, the AFF pledged to name their new coach soon after the EURO 2004™ draw in Porto. Although no candidate has yet been unveiled, the new man is expected to be in place for the EURO 2004™ Group 6 scheduling meeting in Athens due to take place in just over two weeks.

Negotiations in progress
"The delay happened because the AFF was trying to determine its financial capabilities," said Abrahamyan. "Negotiations are currently in progress with several candidates. I think that on 11 March in Athens, Armenia will be represented by the new head coach." The AFF is also due to name new U-21, U-19 and U-17 coaches.