TNN

New Delhi, May 2: Euro 84,000 (Rs 55 lakh). This is the amount Jose Brasa would be getting annually to coach the national men’s hockey team. 

The Spaniard, who is reaching India on Monday, has agreed in principle to take up the assignment and is expected to sign on the dotted line either on the same day or a day later, a top sports ministry official said on Friday.

The salary, which amounts to 7,000 euro (Rs 4.6 lakh) a month, is much higher than what the country usually offers to foreign coaches, but the ministry has taken the decision "in an attempt to improve the standard of hockey in the country".

The official said that the ministry did not accept all the demands of the Spaniard who had asked for a contract till 2012 Olympics and a fee of 100,000 euros, which was to be increased by 10,000 euros every year.

Brasa had also asked for a five-room house and 50 per cent of his salary as incentive for winning a major tournament like the World Cup.

"We will be giving Brasa a contract till the Asian Games in November 2010 which could be extended subject to a review of the team’s performance. Besides, we will also provide accommodation to his family for 30 days. He has agreed to our offer," he said.

Brasa had also wanted his team of support staff from Spain, but the ministry agreed to only a fitness trainer, David Perez, who would be paid 60,000 euros (Rs 40 lakh) per annum by the government.

The official, however, did not say whether Brasa would be in charge of the team for this month’s Asia Cup since "he’s yet to sign the contract". But he added that once he takes over, he will play a significant role in team affairs, including the selection process.

"But then he will have to work within the rules laid down by the government. He will also have to give a detailed review of the team every quarter."

Incidentally, former coach Australian Ric Charlesworth was getting $12,000 per month for his service which was equally borne by the ministry and the International Hockey Federation (FIH). In Brasa’s case, the Spaniard would be getting less salary but the entire amount would be paid by the ministry.

"The adhoc committee running the game should have negotiated his salary before sending his proposal to us," the official said, suggesting that the committee could have helped the ministry.