Socceroos coach Graham Arnold will remain at the helm until the end of Australia’s 2022 World Cup campaign.
Arnold’s position had come under intense scrutiny after the Socceroos finished third in Group B, winning just one of their last seven qualifying games.
Australia must now beat the United Arab Emirates and Peru in one-off playoff ties to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Chair of Football Australia Chris Nikou said in a statement: “The Board of Football Australia believed it was important that we provided a stable environment and to get on with planning for the play-off phase given the very short turn-around.
“By confirming that Graham will remain Head Coach of the Socceroos until the completion of our FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM campaign, it enables Graham, his support staff and the playing group to move forward with certainty, and without delay, to ensure the best possible preparation for the next phase of qualification.”
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Football Australia CEO James Johnson added: “Graham has Football Australia’s support and after nearly four years in the role, still has the opportunity to finish the job he was appointed to in 2018 and see through his commitment to the national team.
“We now turn our sights to the difficult play-off stage in June, our final opportunity to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM.
“As we have done throughout the campaign, we will work closely with Graham to ensure the team has the necessary resources, support and the approach required to achieve the best possible outcome and ultimately qualification to our fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup.”
The Socceroos take on the UAE in Qatar on June 7.