LILLE, France, May 10 (Reuters) - Vahid Halilhodzic is to stay on as coach of French first division side Lille next season, he told a press conference on Thursday.
Bosnian-born Halilhodzic guided Lille to the second division championship last season and they led the first division for several weeks this season.
Lille are currently fourth, and challenging for a Champions League place next season, with two rounds of matches remaining. They are assured of at least a UEFA Cup place.
Halilhodzic had been linked with moves to Monaco or Olympique Marseille earlier this year but will stay with Lille after being given added powers.
He will be given shares in the club and more say over the club's buying policy.
'Vahid Halilhodzic will be staying at Lille and will be a shareholder. He will be part of the management committee and will take the role of sporting manager,' Lille said in a statement.
Halilhodzic joined Lille in 1998 after a spell with Raja Casablanca. The 49-year-old was a player for clubs including Velez Mostar and Nantes, for whom he was a star goalscorer.
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