The announcement came in a press conference where it was revealed the former UAE national team coach had signed a two-year contract with the Qatar FA.

Fossati recently stepped down from his role with Qatar after undergoing surgery.

Metsu wished his predecessor a speedy recovery and promised to help the country qualify for the World Cup in 2010.

"First of all I wish coach Fossati a quick recovery and I hope I can continue the good work that he had with Qatar," said Metsu.

"I promise I will put in every effort with the national team. My switch from UAE to Qatar is normal as I'm a professional coach and it is a normal thing.

"I'm looking forward to qualifying after leading Senegal during the 2002 World Cup and I believe that Qatar can qualify to the next World Cup finals in South Africa.

"We have a short time before the next match against Australia, which will be on October 15, and hopefully we can prepare well for this match which will not be easy at all."

Qatar FA president Sheikh Hamad Khalifa Al Thani welcomed the new coach, while also expressing his regards for Fossati.

"I would like to wish coach Metsu good luck in his forthcoming job as the new Qatar national team coach," he said.

"I also want to thank coach Fossati for what he did in the previous period."