SEOUL - Pim Verbeek has rejected an appeal by the Korea Football Association to remain as national team coach following the third place finish at last month's AFC Asian Cup.

Verbeek, who served as an assistant coach at the last two FIFA World Cups with his compatriots Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat, resigned after leading an injury hit Korea to a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Japan on Saturday to secure a place in the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar following a goalless draw in Palembang.

Verbeek refused to discuss his future plans but admitted he would be taking a long break over the next five month's before returning to coaching.

The 51-year-old has already been linked to the Australia job along with Iraq coach Jorvan Vieira, with Advocaat stalling over a decision and Leo Beenhakker concentrating on Poland's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

"The KFA have recently accepted his request," said a KFA spokesman. "The KFA asked him to reconsider his decision, but Pim said that it is his final decision and that he would not change his mind.

"The first decision by Pim was made after the last game and the final decision from the KFA to accept it was made on Tuesday."

Korea were without English Premier League trio Park Ji-Sung, Lee Young-Pyo and Seol Ki-Hyun, but finished second in Group D behind Saudi Arabia before beating Iran 4-2 on penalties in their quarter final tie.

Verbeek's side failed to repeat the feat against eventual champions Iraq in their semi-final meeting in Kuala Lumpur after crashing out 4-3 on penalties following another goalless draw. Wednesday, August 01, 2007 at 11:59 PM