Irish managerial candidate Philippe Troussier has failed in his bid to land the Australia job and he has also rejected an offer to manage African Nations Cup qualifiers Benin.
The Frenchman met Australian football officials in Sydney earlier this week and expressed his interest in the position.
But he has narrowly missed out as former South Korea manager Pim Verbeek - the Dutchman for whom Mick McCarthy was short-listed to succeed - has today been appointed.
Australia were hunting for a new manager after former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat reneged on a coaching contract last month to remain with his club, Zenit St Petersburg.
Troussier, who has managed Japan, Qatar, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco - amongst others - is keen for a return to the game having sat out for the last two years.
He was strongly linked with the Ireland job prior to Brian Kerr's appointment and was quick to express his interest following Steve Staunton's departure. But he is still considered an outside bet.
Nevertheless, he is still highly regarded - particularly in Africa - and will be one of a dozen candidates interviewed by the FAI's selection panel of Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton.
Benin - surprise qualifiers for next month's African Nations Cup - offered Troussier a contract this week but it was swiftly withdrawn because the 52-year-old would only commit for three months.
