Switzerland extend coach’s contract to 2017

The Swiss soccer federation says Petkovic's deal now runs through 2017, through qualifying matches for the World Cup. (Alessandro della Valle/Keystone)

BERN, Switzerland — Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic has been rewarded with an extended contract for leading the team to the European Championship.

The Swiss soccer federation says Petkovic’s deal now runs through 2017, through qualifying matches for the World Cup.

The federation says Petkovic will automatically get a further extension if the Swiss reach the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Switzerland is in a six-team qualifying group that includes Portugal and Hungary.

At Euro 2016, Switzerland is in a group with host France, Romania and Albania.

The Bosnia-born Petkovic succeeded two-time Champions League-winning coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who stepped down after the 2014 World Cup.

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