Former France coach Roger Lemerre will lead Morocco from July 1, the Moroccan Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday.Lemerre, who led Les Bleus to the Euro 2000 trophy, replaces compatriot Henri Michel who was sacked after failing to take Morocco past the first round of the African Nations Cup.

The 66-year-old has coached Tunisia since 2002, winning the 2004 African Nations Cup and qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.

But after he failed to get them past the quarter finals of the African Nations Cup this year it was announced that his contract would not be renewed when it expires on June 30.

Lemerre, who was also France's assistant boss when they lifted the World Cup in 1998, was sacked following Les Bleus shock World Cup first-round exit four years later.

His first task will be to guide Morocco to the 2010 World Cup.

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