BEIJING -- The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has started the process of searching a new head coach for the senior women's national team.

According to the notice released by the CFA on Friday, the candidate must have Chinese nationality and be under the age of 60. Furthermore, he or she must have the coaching experience in U19 and above national teams or women's Super League sides, or being head/assistant coach in the top league of the CFA.

The Chinese side failed to survive the group stage at Tokyo 2020, following a 5-0 defeat to Brazil, a 4-4 draw with Zambia and an 8-2 loss to the Netherlands. The contract of then head coach Jia Xiuquan expired after the Olympic Games.

Shui Qingxia, the interim head coach, led the "United Team", de facto the national team, to beat Shanghai 1-0 in the final of the National Games in September.

"It is an utmost honor to coach the Chinese women's team. This means a responsibility, and if possible I hope I can take it," added Shui, the former Chinese international.