Figo slams uncertainty over Portugal coach

Luis Figo has strongly criticised delays in choosing a new Portuguese coach, even hinting he might give up international soccer if the situation did not improve.

The Portuguese Football Federation has just re-elected Gilberto Madail as chairman -- unopposed -- and is due to name a new coach in the coming days.

Caretaker Agostinho Oliveira's stint ends with a friendly international against Sweden on Wednesday. He took over when Antonio Oliveira was sacked after Portugal's first-round exit from the World Cup in June.

"The decisions and the key points have to be explained...like the choice of the national team," midfielder Figo told private TSF radio on Tuesday. "Is it through influences, or this reason or that?

"I think people have to really explain what they want and plan for Portuguese football," he added at a news conference in Gothenburg, Sweden.

"I have my prestige, and if I come to the national team right now to lose prestige, then I just prefer not to come," the FIFA player of the year said.

"I'm here to look ahead. But if I see there's no plan, or like intentions, then I prefer not to come."

Portugal qualify automatically for the 2004 European Championships as hosts.

One of the biggest challenges facing the new coach will be to transform a team whose top players are with some of Europe's leading clubs but who will be well past 30 in 2004.