Muscat: The Oman Football Association (OFA) signed Croatian Branko Ivankovic as the new national team coach.
He takes over from Dutchman Erwin Koeman who was sacked after Oman’s poor performance in the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup in Qatar.
The 65-year-old Croatian will start work with the national team in February under a two-year contract.
The Croatian, who last managed Al Ahli Saudi FC, will decide on the support staff. Assistant coach Muhanna Said Al Adawi was the acting head coach until the appointment of Ivankovic.
Oman failed to make it to the semi-finals despite earning four points as champions Bahrain leapfrogged the Sultanate on goal difference in the group stage.
Former Iran manager Ivankovic, joined Iran giants Persepolis in 2015 and won the Iran Pro League twice in three full seasons with the Reds.
He was manager for Iran between 2002 – 2006 and led Team Melli to 2006 Fifa World Cup. His side also reached the 2004 AFC Asian Cup semi-finals in China.
In the 1998 World Cup, Ivankovic was the assistant coach with the Croatian team that finished third. Before being appointed as Oman coach, the experienced coach was reportedly linked with a move to the Iran national football team, according to Oman Observer.