Troussier replaces Badou Zaki who resigned earlier this month after Morocco failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

An FRMF spokesman said Troussier's contract, which will see him through to the 2010 World Cup finals, is worth over US$60,000 a month.

The 50-year-old Frenchman will also have the title of general manager of the national team. Troussier's decision almost represents a homecoming, as he has been a Moroccan resident for many years.

Nicknamed the "white witchdoctor," Troussier has coached the national teams of Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Qatar and Japan. His last job was with French club Marseille, where he was sacked after failing to take the team into this year's UEFA Champions League.

Troussier had a brief spell in Moroccan club football between 1994 and 1997, handling Credit Agricole and FUS Rabat.

Taking charge of a side largely made up of France-based professionals, who were unlucky to miss out on a 2006 World Cup place, Troussier will lead the Atlas Lions to next year's African Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.