Frenchman Perrin appointed China coach - reports

Perrin, 57, will coach a national team for the first time in his career, having spent the past four seasons at Qatari clubs Umm Salal, Al-Gharafa and Al-Khor.

(Reuters)

He is expected to meet his players on Thursday to prepare for next week's Asian Cup qualifier against Iraq in Dubai, a Chinese Federation vice-president was reported as saying by local media websites sina.com and china.org.cn.

Perrin made his name in France after leading Troyes from the fourth division to Ligue 1 before coaching leading sides Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyon, with whom he won a league and cup double in 2008.

His only spell in charge of a European club saw him sacked by then Premier League side Portsmouth after eight months in charge in 2005.

China fired Spaniard Camacho last June following three home friendly defeats and a poor World Cup qualifying campaign.

China are 88th in the world rankings and have only reached the World Cup finals once in 2002.

(Writing by Gregory Blachier; editing by Josh Reich)