The Port Said-based club did not disclose any reasons behind the collapse of Renard's deal, swiftly bringing in a replacement.

"Chairman Kamel Abou-Ali has today finalized a deal with Swiss manager Alain Geiger," Masri said in a statement on their official website.

"Geiger penned a deal that will last until the end of the season. He will arrive in Cairo tomorrow at 03:00 PM and will be in charge of the football team's training camp in sixth of October city immediately afterwards."

Reports suggested that Masri snubbed Renard because he stalled on signing the contract.

The 42-yeard-old made no secret of his desire to take charge of Cairo giants Ahli, who are yet to name a new manager following last month's resignation of Hossam Al-Badri.

Geiger will replace Mokhtar Mokhtar after the latter suddenly departed Masri following a stunning 3-1 defeat by promoted Smouha last month.

The 50-year-old managed several teams in the Swiss league, including Neuchatel Xamax and Lausanne Sports.

He led Algeria's JS Kabylie to the African Champions League semi final this year before handing in his resignation.