Former Brazil [Images] striker Romario was named player-coach of Vasco da Gama on Thursday, two days after announcing he had failed a dope test while playing for the team in October.

Romario, who blamed a hair loss treatment after testing positive for the banned substance finasteride, will be in charge of Vasco for the opening games of next season, club president Eurico Miranda told reporters.

The 1994 World Cup striker, still playing at the age of 41, has been provisionally suspended until December 18, when Brazil's disciplinary tribunal is due to hear the case.

Miranda said Romario's role would be restricted to coaching if the tribunal extends the ban.

Vasco are due to play two friendlies in Dubai in January before taking part in the Carioca championship, one of the regional tournaments which kick off the Brazilian season in mid-January.