OFC News

The Federation Tahitienne de Football (FTF) have secured the services of 1998 FIFA World Cup winner Lionnel Charbonnier as Technical Director. Charbonnier - a former goalkeeper with Auxerre and Glasgow Rangers - will take up his new position as from October 1st, 2007, on a two year contract.

Charbonnier will be charged with the implementation of FTF technical policy and will be in charge of the Elite Development programme and the preparation of national teams for the next editions of the FIFA U-17 and FIFA U-20 World Cup competitions.

The former FIFA World Cup winner spent most of his career with French club Auxerre but moved to Glasgow Rangers for 1.2 million British pounds in 1998/99 season where he helped the club win a domestic treble of Scottish Premier League, Scottish League Cup and Scottish FA Cup wins.

Charbonnier's stay in Glasgow turned sour, however, after the popular goalkeeper suffered a knee injury during a European match that he never fully recovered from. He was replaced by German rival Stefan Klos for most of the following season but returned to help the club qualify for the 1999/00 UEFA Champions League group stages defeating Parma 2-1 on aggregate. 

Charbonnier's injury woes continued and he was eventually released by Glasgow Rangers before he took up his final contract with Swiss club Lausanne Sports.