France will offer women's national team coach Corinne Diacre a contract extension following their run to the Euro 2022 semi-finals, French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has confirmed.
Le Graet told reporters Diacre would be offered a two-year extension, expressing his satisfaction with the team’s performance at the tournament in England despite their 2-1 semi-final defeat to Germany on Wednesday.
Le Graet said the objective of a last-four finish had been achieved and that the French team had "shown a beautiful image of women's football at the top level of the game".
"This tournament has shown that we have a real team, consistent and improving. There was a good mix between old and young. TV ratings were also good. It shows that the public interest is there," he told several French media outlets.
Full-time: Germany 2-1 France - Despite some late pressure, Germany hold out to book their place in the 2022 European Championships final against tournament hosts England on Sunday. Watch it live on RTÉ2. #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/BecSOWWcOw
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 27, 2022
Le Graet said he planned to settle the contract issue "as quickly as possible".
"When you change coaches after one or two years, it doesn't work. You need stability. The 2023 World Cup and the Olympic Games in Paris must be considered together. So, two years is good."
France have qualified for next year's Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and will host the women’s Olympic football tournament in 2024, which is at full international level unlike the men’s tournament, which is for the Under-23s.
"For the World Cup, the objective will still be to reach the last four," Le Graet added. "The World Cup must also serve as a preparation for the Olympic Games, which is in our home."
Watch the Euro 2022 final, England v Germany, on Sunday with RTÉ Sport. Live television and streaming on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player with news and a live blog on RTÉ News app and on rte.ie/sport.
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