The New Zealand champions reached an agreement with their local football federation to allow Jones, who is currently head coach for the women's national team, to lead the team in Japan.

Auckland City mutually agreed to part ways with coach Roger Wilkinson three weeks ago and have been on the look out for another manager ever since.

Their agreement with the New Zealand Soccer Inc (NZS) will buy the club more time to find a new coach.

"We would like to thank New Zealand Soccer for their co-operation in this challenging time for the club," Auckland City FC chairman Ivan Vuksich told the club's official website.

Vuksich was also very happy to see coach Jones return to the club with whom he won the Oceania Club Championships in May of this year.

"To have a coach of Allan's experience and expertise lead our side to Japan is a major boost for the club," said Vuksich.

Jones and his assistant, Craig Alexander, enjoyed a successful two-year spell with Auckland City during which they led the team to successive league titles in 2005 and 2006.

"Allan and Craig work extremely well together and are very professional in their approach. They are familiar with our players having enjoyed great success with the majority of them in recent seasons at Auckland City," he added.

Auckland City FC kick-off their CWC campaign by facing Egyptian and African champions Ahli in Toyota city on December 10th.