"He's a big manager, he has a big history with France and with Tunisia - he's won the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations, " he told BBC Sport.

BBC: Lemerre and Coelho begin work

Lemerre has had more success in continental competition, winning the European championship in 2000, and the Africa Nations Cup for Tunisia in 2004.

BBC: Lemerre seeks Morocco revival

Tel Aviv will host the European Under-21 Championship next June, when eight nations will compete in Israel.

CNN: Soccer stars protest Gaza bombing

In 1992, Yugoslavia were thrown out of the European Championship in Sweden in similar circumstances, although in that case United Nations sporting sanctions applied at the time.

BBC: Yugoslavia may face Euro expulsion

The Frenchman won the European Championship with France in 2000 and four years later achieved a unique double by guiding Tunisia to the African Nations Cup trophy.

BBC: Lemerre departure confirmed