Herve Renard named head coach of French women's national team

• by Agence France-Presse , Mar 30, 2023

On Thursday, the French soccer federation (FFF) announced the appointment of Herve Renard as the new head coach of the country's women's soccer team following the sacking of Corinne Diacre at the start of March after her position was weakened because of a revolt by leading players.

She was under contract until 2024 but came under serious pressure after captain Wendie Renard announced she would no longer play for the team, with fellow stars Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto following suit.

The 54-year-old Renard resigned as Saudi Arabia's manager earlier in the week after leading them to a memorable group stage win over Argentina at last year's World Cup in Qatar.

His departure was confirmed following Tuesday's 2-1 friendly loss to Bolivia.

Renard signed a contract with France through to the 2024 Olympics in his first job coaching a women's team. The two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Zambia and Ivory Coast, takes over less than four months before the Women's World Cup begins in Australia and New Zealand.

France has four friendlies before starting its World Cup campaign against Jamaica in Sydney on July 23. Renard's first game at the helm will be on April 7 against Colombia with another match four days later against Olympic champion Canada. 

kn/cyj/mw/dj

© Agence France-Presse