Michal Bilek has been appointed as the new coach of the Czech Republic.

The 44-year-old had been assistant to former national team boss Ivan Hasek, who resigned last week after failing to lead the Czechs to qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

Hasek, also chairman of the Czech Football Association, proposed Bilek as a possible successor.

The association's executive committee unanimously approved Bilek as coach today, it was confirmed in a statement on the Czech FA's official website.