Chilean coach Bielsa quit after the Chile federation chief was ousted. Spanish businessman Jorge Segovia, who is the president of the Union Espanola club and has the support of top flight clubs like Colo Colo and Universidad de Chile, was instead elected head of the ANPF by 28 votes to 22.

Argentine Bielsa, who qualified Chile for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, had earlier held a lengthy press conference to lend his support to Mayne-Nicholls.

"The day that Harold is no longer in charge is the I quit this job," said Bielsa.