Journeyman German coach Eckhard Krautzen is being forced to abandon his position as China's women's football team's technical advisory post due to ill-health, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) revealed on Thursday.

"Krautzen is suffering from some health problems and will need time out to recover. He will thus be unable to continue his duties," Dong Hua told Xinhua on Thursday. "We may find a suitable replacement before the World Cup."

Krautzen linked up with the Chinese team during the Four Nations Women's Soccer Tournament held in Guangzhou at the end of January. However, after only two matches, Krautzen complained of an acute stomach ache and flew back to Germany.

With the World Cup only six months away, hosts China are in a predicament. The "Steel Roses" are now led by caretaker coach Wang Haiming since previous boss Ma Liangxing's departure due to heart disease.
 
China's recently concluded European tour saw them defeated three times, including by France and rivals, the USA.
 
(Xinhua News Agency March 9, 2007)