BUENOS AIRES, June 1 -- The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has ended weeks of speculation by appointing Jorge Sampaoli as the national team coach.

The 57-year-old was officially presented to the media at the AFA's headquarters in Buenos Aires on Thursday.

The announcement came less than a week after Sampaoli parted ways with Spanish club Sevilla.

The AFA made no secret of targeting Sampaoli for the role after sacking Edgardo Bauza in April.

The former Newell's Old Boys midfielder became one of the world's most sought-after coaches after guiding Chile to their first Copa America title in 2017.

After a short break, he replaced Unai Emery at Sevilla last July, leading the Andalusian outfit to fourth place in La Liga and the last 16 of the Champions League.

Argentina are currently fifth in the 10-team South America zone World Cup qualifying standings with four games remaining.

Only the first four teams at the end of the qualifying tournament will earn an automatic place at football's showpiece tournament in Russia next year.

The fifth-ranked side will advance to a playoff against the top nation from Oceania. Enditem

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