Babbel can only manage Stuttgart until end of season

Markus Babbel's future as VfB Stuttgart head coach has been placed in doubt after the German FA said it would only allow him to manage the Bundesliga side until the end of the season.

The former Stuttgart assistant coach took over as team manager last month after the sacking of Armin Veh but does not have the qualifications to coach in Germany's top division.

"Markus Babbel may only carry out the role of head coach at VfB Stuttgart until the end of the 2008-09 season," the German FA said.

"The decision to allow him to coach until then was taken on account of the fact that he possesses a (lower level) A-licence and was already part of the coaching staff at Stuttgart.

"But any further extension has been ruled out."

A Stuttgart official told Reuters it would not be possible for Babbel to get the necessary qualifications this season.

The official said there would be no further comment from the club until after tomorrow's decisive UEFA Cup Group C match at home to Standard Liege.