BUCHAREST Romanian footballing legend Gheorghe Hagi is set to be confirmed as their new national coach next week it was revealed by the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) Secretary General Adalbert Kasai Sunday.

Kasai said that 36-year-old Hagi, who recently called time on his distinguished playing career after four years at Turkey's 2000 UEFA Cup champions Galatasaray, had an interview with the FRF President Mircea Sandu, who gave his assent for him to take on the national post.

According to press reports Hagi, whose nomination must be rubber-stamped by the Executive Committee of the FRF which meets next week, will not be paid for the rest of the 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign, in which they are currently second in Group 8 four points behind Italy.

The post became vacant when Laszlo Boloni stunned Romania Football Federation officials last week after quitting to take over as coach of Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, with a year remaining on his contract.

According to AFP, Romanian Football Chief Mircea Sandu demanded 150,000 dollars from Boloni for breaking the contract threatening to ask FIFA to suspend the coach if he refused.

Hagi, who played for Boloni at Euro 2000 where they reached the last eight, peaked in 1994 when he inspired Romania to the World Cup quarterfinals which included a stunning win over Argentina in the second round.