Li Tie will remain as head coach of Chinese team, says Chinese FA president

BEIJING - Li Tie will continue as the head coach of the Chinese men's football team for the final round of FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, Chinese Football Association president Chen Xuyuan has confirmed.

Rumors were swirling that the CFA has agreed to extend the contract with Li after the 44-year-old successfully steered the Chinese team to the next stage of the Asian zone qualifying campaign.

"It is just a rumor. We evaluate the coaching staff every year and as long as the team is making progress, the coaching staff will stay as they are. We won't change the coach for just losing a game or two," Chen Xuyuan told Xinhua.

"So it (renewing the contract) is out of the question.

"Li is now focusing on the team's preparations for the final round of the World Cup Asian qualifiers," he added.

China beat Syria 3-1 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, last Tuesday to complete a run of four wins from as many World Cup qualifiers to qualify for the final Asian qualification round.

12 teams will be drawn into two groups of six, where China could meet the likes of Japan, Australia, Iran and South Korea.