Arthur Papas unlikely to accept three-year extension

New Delhi: Arthur Papas, coach of India`s under-23 football side, is unlikely to accept a three-year contract extension from the All India Football Federation in order to keep his options open.

The Australian, who moved to India in May 2012 to take up a position as an academy coach, was later entrusted with the duel task of looking after the under-23 side and AIFF`s development outfit Pailan Arrows in the I-League. Papas is reluctant to go for a long-term association with the AIFF as he has received offers from clubs in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. "To be honest I`m quite comfortable with a one-year contract. I`ve been offered a three-year extension with a really good pay increase, but I`ve never been in football for the money," Papas told `goal.Com`. Before his arrival in India, the 32-year-old held roles at A-League clubs Melbourne Heart and the Newcastle Jets. Under Papas` guidance, the Arrows are placed a reasonably impressive seventh on the I-League table after 13 matches. The under-22 side`s showing in the AFC Championship qualifying tournament last year was also praiseworthy, thanks to Papas` presence. PTI