Grondona plays down Argentina cash row with coach Bielsa

Argentina federation president Julio Grondona says national team coach Marcelo Bielsa is to stay on despite a contract dispute.

Bielsa's contract ends in June and the coach has held several meetings with the federation to discuss non-payment of wages and non-payment of his bonus for World Cup qualification.

"If it was rumoured that Bielsa would not be in charge at the World Cup it was because it was printed in the press," Grondona told reporters.

"If I say he is staying as coach no one takes any notice, but if someone says the opposite just one time it is believed and a rumour spreads. Bielsa will coach Argentina at the World Cup."

Exchange rate problems and the South American country's economic collapse have seen Bielsa's four year deal devalued and on Sunday AFA treasurer Hector Dominguez said he was trying to find a solution and expected more meetings soon with the coach.

Grondona confirmed that Argentina would spend part of their World Cup preparations in Italy before moving to the Far East.