Japan have extended coach Alberto Zaccheroni's contract as the Asian champions build towards the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil, officials said Monday.
"The Japan Football Association has already extended the contract," said an association official, who declined to be named.
"Details such as the length of its term and conditions won't be announced, but the extension is certainly aimed at having Japan go to Brazil under him," the official said.
According to local media, the association handed a one-year rolling deal to the Italian, who was appointed in 2010 on a two-year contract with the option of an extension.
"Both sides are satisfied," the 59-year-old former AC Milan boss told reporters at Narita airport before flying to Europe where he will watch the Euro 2012 final.
In Europe, he will also watch Japan's under-23 squad at the London Olympics. In March, Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 to reach their fifth successive Olympics.
The new deal is expected to be terminated if Japan miss out on a place in Brazil, Kyodo News said. The final round of Asian qualifying wraps up in June.
Zaccheroni guided Japan to a record fourth Asian Cup title in Qatar last year. In World Cup final qualifying so far, Japan lead their group with seven points from three games.
Source: AFP
