Avramovic confirms departure as Singapore coach

SINGAPORE — Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic has confirmed he will step down as head of the national team when his contract expires at the end of the year.

Avramovic told reporters Friday that he would be leaving his position after the AFF Suzuki Cup final. Singapore beat Thailand 3-1 in the first leg of the final this week, with the return leg being played Saturday.

Neither Avramovic nor the Football Association of Singapore had previously commented on whether he would stay on after his current contract ends.

The 63-year-old Serbian took over as Singapore coach in 2003 and led the Lions to two consecutive AFF titles in 2004 and 2007.

He also led Singapore to the third round of the Asian qualifying for the 2010 World Cup — a first for the Lions