The Brazilian football confederation (CFB) said on Wednesday that Scolari would not return as trainer after the host side's disastrous finish at the 2014 World Cup.

CFB president Jose Maria Marin confirmed the departure, which followed growing speculation that Scolari would not continue in the role. His backroom staff will also leave.

In a statement Marin thanked the coach, who presided over Brazil's bruising 7-1 semifinal drubbing by eventual tournament winners Germany, for helping "rescue the Brazil team's self-esteem."

To compound Brazil's semifinal misery, they were also largely overshadowed by the Netherlands, losing 3-0 in the tournament's third-place playoff on Saturday.

"Scolari and all his backroom staff deserve our respect and thanks," Marin said in a short statement published on the confederation's website. "They were responsible for returning to the Brazilian people a love for the national side, even if they did not achieve our highest aim."

Past World Cup winner

Scolari, who took over in December 2012 from sacked team boss Mano Menezes, had said he would win the World Cup for Brazil for a sixth time. He was in charge when the country won its fifth World Cup at the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea.

Scolari, sometimes nicknamed "Felipao" and "Big Phil," also guided Brazil to victory in the 2013 Confederations Cup, seen as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup.

The 65-year-old's contract ended after the 2014 World Cup, but he had said he would wait to decide if football bosses wanted him to remain in charge of the national side, known to Brazilians as the "Selecao."

Scolari has managed other international sides including Portugal, and numerous club sides as far afield as England - where he briefly managed Chelsea - Japan, Kuwait and Uzbekistan.

rc/crh (AP, AFP, Reuters)