Scolari said he accepted the role after a meeting with Brazilian Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo in Brasília.

"I have accepted the job under the proviso that I will be able to negotiate the dates with the Ministry," the former Portugal, Chelsea, Cruzeiro and Grêmio coach said.

"The most likely scenario is that I will be available until the end of the year.

"After that I hope to be working in some capacity with a club or national team somewhere in the world.

"But I hope I can continue to help working on the project."

Scolari this month found himself out of work after being fired by São Paulo giants Palmeiras, who are struggling against relegation.

He was fired just months after leading Palmeiras to the Copa do Brasil title, which earned the team a place in next year's Copa Libertadores.

Scolari is reported to be keen on a return to coaching at international level, and has been consistently linked with becoming the Brazil coach in time for the 2014 World Cup.

Brazil celebrate their 2002 FIFA World Cup victory

In 2002, he was also appointed to the post just a year before the tournament and turned a struggling team into World Cup winners.

At a recent friendly with Argentina, fans chanted for Scolari's return, with Mano Menezes under pressure after Brazil failed to win Olympic gold at London 2012.

If Brazil also fail to win next year's Confederations Cup, Scolari could be perfectly positioned to take over from Menezes.

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