By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport, Cairo

Saleh remains in charge till June

Egypt's Football Association has refused Mohsen Saleh's request to resign as coach of the national team.

In a meeting on Monday, Saleh offered to leave his position and reduce the media pressure on the FA after a humiliating 5-0 defeat to France last Wednesday.

"We believe we made the right decision. We are approaching a crucial period and we should be ready for such a challenge," said FA chairman Dahshoury Harb.

Harb was referring to the next African Nations Cup qualifying games against Mauritius and Madagascar in June.

Egypt must win both games to guarantee their 2004 Nations Cup place.

But the FA chairman refused to comment on Saleh's future after June's matches.

The local press has speculated on negotiations between the FA and Manuel Jose, Ahly's former coach, on taking up the national job.

But some FA members are in support of Shawky Gharieb.

Gharieb was the coach of the Egyptian youth team that won the bronze medal at the 2003 World Youth Championship in Argentina and is currently manager of the Olympic team.