Eriksson was sacked after weeks of speculation

Sven-Goran Eriksson has been appointed as the new coach of Mexico.

"It's unanimous. Eriksson has been accepted," said Guadalajara president and member of the Mexican federation's executive committee Jorge Vergara.

Sacked as manager of Manchester City on Monday, the 60-year-old former England coach has agreed a two-year deal.

"Mexico is a big job," said Eriksson. "To help Mexico reach the World Cup is a big challenge. You have 120 million people and it's motivating."

The decision to name Eriksson as Hugo Sanchez's successor was taken at a meeting of the 18 owners of the country's first division.

Eriksson was the only serious contender for the Mexico job, which has been vacant since Sanchez left in March.

The Swede spent five-and-a-half years in charge of England, from January 2001 until July 2006, taking them to two World Cup quarter-finals.

606: DEBATE I really feel for Sven, the way he has been treated after a fantastic season is nothing short of outrageous CC

Eriksson will not officially take up his post until 21 June, when Mexico host Belize Monterrey in the second leg of the second round of World Cup qualifiers.

Until then caretaker coach Jesus Ramirez will remain in temporary charge for the matches against Argentina on 4 June, Peru on 8 June and the first leg with Belize in Houston on 15 June.

Eriksson is Mexico's first foreign coach since Serbian Bora Milutinovic, who resigned in 1997 from his second stint in charge of the team.

Apart from Milutinovic, Mexico has had two Spaniards, two Hungarians and an Englishman as coaches.

Eriksson's season-long stint at City was officially brought to an end on Monday by the club's owner Thaksin Shinawatra, following weeks of speculation.

BBC Sport revealed in April that Eriksson was no longer wanted by owner Thaksin, despite City finishing ninth in the Premiership.