French Cup winners Rennes extend coach Stephan's contract

Paris - Rennes have extended coach Julien Stephan's contract until 2022 after he steered the club to victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the French Cup final.

With one year left on his contract, Stephan was given a further two, club president Olivier Letang told a press conference.

Stephan, who has asked for a bigger say in player recruitment at the club according to reports, said he was happy about the contract extension.

"It is a vote of confidence that will allow for more long-term planning," he said.

Letang also said that the club would be parting ways with attacking midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa, who arrived from PSG on a one-year contract last year. He said Rennes had an option for an extra year but would not be taking it up.

Ben Arfa starred in Rennes' cup final victory but has criticised Stephan, unhappy at the team's style of play.