By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-03-27 09:15

In somewhat of a surprise, veteran coach Shang Ruihua was named as the new head coach of the struggling women's soccer team. Meanwhile, embattled Frenchwoman Loisel canceled her plans to return to China.

New coach Shang Ruihua for China's women's soccer team in this undated photo. [China Daily]

Loisel was scheduled to arrive in Beijing yesterday to learn about her future despite reports of an e-mail from the CFA informing the coach that her services were no longer needed.

But she finally threw in the towel after confirming the e-mail's authenticity.

"I had doubts when I received the e-mail so I decided to go to China according to the schedule. But I knew the truth at the last moment that the e-mail actually was sent by CFA. So I think it will not make any difference if I went to China."

The e-mail also expressed hopes that the contract dispute could be settled in a "peaceful" and "friendly" way. Loisel said she would leave everything for her agent to deal with.

Loisel, who failed to improve the team after taking over last October, said in the past month that she would not resign unless the CFA made the official announcement despite rampant speculation of her imminent dismissal. The coach initially seemed determined to lead the team into the semifinals of the Beijing Olympic Games, but now all that pressure is on the new coach Shang.

Related readings:  Loisel ignores e-mail sacking  Soccer looks to life after Loisel  CFA likely to bid adieu to French coach Loisel  French coach Loisel's days appear to be numbered  Loisel in deep water after loss to US

As the head coach of China's 1991 World Cup women's team and having been involved with women's and men's teams ever since, the 64-year-old Shang has rich coaching experience and is well respected.

Though faced with a team in the midst of one of it's worst slumps in memory, Shang said he will get the squad back on track.

"I have always been concerned about women's soccer. I am willing to be devoted to its development," he said.

"I have my advantages over other candidates. I have been involved in coaching women's soccer for a long time. As long as CFA gives me enough time, I am confident I will lift the team to what it should be."