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Käld calls end to Finland reign

Finland coach Michael Käld, who led them in their first two majors tournaments in reaching the UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ semi-finals and this year's last eight, steps down on Saturday after 107 games in charge.

Michael Käld is to step down as Finland coach
Michael Käld is to step down as Finland coach ©FA of Finland/Jussi Es

Finland coach Michael Käld, who led his side in their first two UEFA European Women's Championship final tournaments, is to step down.

Semi-final run
Käld, 55, is out of contract after Saturday's 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier against Armenia at the Helsinki Football Stadium and will not sign a new deal following his 107th match in charge. He was appointed in 2001 and under his command Finland reached UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™, their first major tournament where they got to the semi-finals. They just missed out on the 2007 World Cup but reached the UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ quarter-finals as hosts this summer.

Future relationship
Football Association of Finland chief executive Kimmo Lipponen said: "We have held discussions in good spirit and we are willing to use his experience in future as well. There are more and more younger players in the women's national team and this is a good moment to end one successful era and give a chance to another coach." Finland have won all three of their World Cup qualifiers so far and are level in Group 7 with Italy.