German football great Lothar Matthaeus has ended his interest in coaching Ghana after being appointed as new Bulgaria coach.
The former Bayern Munich player was among the several names being floated around as the replacement for Milovan Rajevac who departed two weeks ago.
Matthaeus’ representatives in Accra were quietly championing his course in Accra to be the new Black Stars coach but the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) announced his appointment yesterday.
"Lothar Matthaeus is the new national team coach," BFU president Borislav Mihaylov told a press conference after a meeting of the union's executive board.
"He will sign his contract over the coming days."
Mihaylov refused to disclose any financial details about the contract but said it would be for one year, with an option to extend it by two more years.
Matthaeus, who last managed Israeli club Maccabi Netanya, will replace former national coach Stanimir Stoilov, who resigned after Bulgaria lost their second successive Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on September 7.
The 49-year-old German is expected to lead the squad in their next qualifier against Wales in Cardiff on October 8.
A former captain of the West German national team and 1990 World Cup winner, Matthaeus was named the first ever FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991.
After ending his career as footballer, the former midfielder coached a range of teams, including Partizan Belgrade, Hungary's national team and Red Bull Salzburg.
Over fifty coaches have so far applied to replace Rajevac as coach of the Black Stars.
Ex-France captain Marcel Desailly is considered the front runner for the job.