Jorginho will step down as manager of Kashima Antlers at the end of this season, the seven-time J. League champions said on Thursday.

The club decided not to renew the contract of the 48-year-old Brazilian World Cup winner after holding negotiations regarding next season and beyond.

Kashima successfully defended its Nabisco Cup title this year, but has spent much of Jorginho's first campaign in charge in the wrong half of the table.

Antlers only secured top-flight status for next season with a 2-1 win away to Nagoya Grampus on Saturday.

Jorginho, who played for Kashima from 1995-98 and was part of the Brazil national team that won the World Cup in the United States in 1994, will remain in charge of the team through its Emperor's Cup campaign.

Kashima plays Jubilo Iwata at home in the fourth round of the Emperor's Cup on Dec. 15.