(CNN) -- Helena Costa has had second thoughts over coaching French second-tier side Clermont Foot.

In May, Clermont appointed Costa, who was previously in charge of the Iran women's national team, as the club's manager for next season.

Clermont president Claude Michy described the 36-year-old Portuguese's decision as "sudden and surprising," though no explanation was given for her change of heart.

In a statement published on the club's website Michy added: "I deeply regret this situation. I thank all those who have supported me and I am most grateful. The operation of the club will continue with other stakeholders to prepare for the new season."

Costa would have been the first female coach of a French professional football club, while her appointment represented the first time a team in the top two divisions of one of Europe's big five leagues -- Spain, Germany, England, Italy and France -- had hired a female manager.

A sports science graduate, Costa had worked with the Iran and Qatar women's national teams, while she also led Benfica's male youth team to two World Youth titles. She also spent time as a scout with Scottish club Celtic.

The English Premier League boasts two high-profile females, with Eva Carneiro fulfilling the role of Chelsea's first-team doctor, while Karren Brady is West Ham's vice chairman.

Former England women's national team manager Hope Powell was linked with the Grimsby job in 2009, although she denied that she was ever in the running for the post.

In Italy, Carolina Morace took charge of Italian Serie C1 team Viterbese for two matches in 1999.

1. Who is Helena Costa?
2. Where?
3. Did she stay as coach?
4. Where else has she coached?
5. Any other teams?
6. What did she do with the Benfica's male youth team?
7. Are there any high profile women?
8. Who are they?
9. What does Eva do?
10. What about Karren?
11. Where was Costa as a scout?
12. What happened in Italy?
13. for how long?
14. when?
15. What was Costa's degree?
1. a football coach
2. Clermont
3. no
4. the Iran women's national team
5. Qatar women's national team
6. led them to two World Youth titles
7. Yes
8. Eva Carneiro and Karren Brady
9. she is Chelsea's first-team doctor,
10. Karren Brady is West Ham's vice chairman
11. the Scottish club Celtic
12. Carolina Morace took charge of Italian Serie C1 team Viterbese
13. for two matches
14. 1999
15. sports science