Hasek spurs Czech 2010 World Cup job

April 29, 2008

Former Czech Republic internationalist Ivan Hasek has turned down the opportunity to lead the national team to the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa. The Al Ahly coach launched a scathing attack on the Czech football federation after turning down the change to succeed Karel Bruckner when he stands down after Euro 2008.

“I have absolutely no interest in becoming part of the wheeling and dealing…so typical of Czech football,” the former Sparta Prague player and manager explained in a statement on Monday.

The 44-year-old added: “It’s with regret that under any circumstances am I going to seek the job as Czech coach.”

Hasek’s rejection and public criticism is a further blow to the Czech Republic football federation (CMFS) after Slavia Prague coach Karel Jarolim last week turned down the opportunity to lead the Czechs in the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Hasek earned 56 caps for his country and was part of the Czechoslovakia side who reached the 1990 World Cup Quarter-Finals in Italy.

With Hasek and Jarolim out of the picture the two favourites to take over from Bruckner are FK Teplice coach Petr Rada and Vitezslav Lavicka, manager of the Czech Republic’s U-21 side.

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