Marika Domanski-Lyfors finally decided to leave the Chinese women's football team, nearly half a month behind the original deadline for her reply to the Chinese Football Association (CFA) about her contract extension.

Website sina.com reported the country's football watchdog will formally announce the Swede's leave later on Tuesday.

Domanski was expected to make a decision by October 11, but her response was delayed again and again due to family concerns.

However, more reports believe that a lack of confidence in the team's expected finish at the Beijing Olympics played the decisive role in her withdrawal.

The CFA has demanded at least a bronze medal in women's football event at next year's Olympics.

The administration has kicked off a search for Domanski's successor with competitive candidates in the shortlist, including Jorge Barcelos, who led Brazil to the runners-up at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.

(CRI October 23, 2007)