( CNN ) -- Helena Costa has had second thoughts over coaching French second-tier side Clermont Foot . In May , Clermont appointed Costa , who was previously in charge of the Iran women 's national team , as the club 's manager for next season . Clermont president Claude Michy described the 36-year-old Portuguese 's decision as `` sudden and surprising , '' though no explanation was given for her change of heart . In a statement published on the club 's website Michy added : `` I deeply regret this situation . I thank all those who have supported me and I am most grateful . The operation of the club will continue with other stakeholders to prepare for the new season . '' Costa would have been the first female coach of a French professional football club , while her appointment represented the first time a team in the top two divisions of one of Europe 's big five leagues -- Spain , Germany , England , Italy and France -- had hired a female manager . A sports science graduate , Costa had worked with the Iran and Qatar women 's national teams , while she also led Benfica 's male youth team to two World Youth titles . She also spent time as a scout with Scottish club Celtic . The English Premier League boasts two high-profile females , with Eva Carneiro fulfilling the role of Chelsea 's first-team doctor , while Karren Brady is West Ham 's vice chairman . Former England women 's national team manager Hope Powell was linked with the Grimsby job in 2009 , although she denied that she was ever in the running for the post . In Italy , Carolina Morace took charge of Italian Serie C1 team Viterbese for two matches in 1999 . Maria Jose Claramunt , meanwhile , is currently the director of the Spanish national team , however , she is responsible for marketing issues rather than sporting ones .
Helena Costa opts to leave French second-tier side Clermont Foot . Clermont had announced her appointment in May . French club give no explanation for Costa 's change of heart .