Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: United Arab Emirates head coach Mahdi Ali’s contract has been extended until 2018, with the 49-year-old vowing to help his side qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Dubai native led the UAE to the 2012 Olympics, the 2013 Gulf Cup title and third place in the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015, upsetting then reigning champions Japan in a penalty shootout during the quarter-finals.
“As an Emirati, it’s my duty to serve my country,” The National quoted Ali as saying.
“It’s a big responsibility and a new stage starting with the World Cup.
“Everyone has been talking about the 2019 Asian Cup but we cannot forget the World Cup qualifiers. The ambitions are bigger now and so is the responsibility.”
UAE Football Associartion President Yousuf Yaqoob Yousuf Al Serkal also took time out to praise Ali's role in the nation's excellent technical programmes which have garnered interest from other Gulf countries.
“Technically, this is a renewal of the contract but I prefer to call it a continuation,” Al Serkal said. “A lot of Gulf FAs have been in touch asking to look at our technical programmes, which Mahdi Ali has been a big part of, especially with this group of players.”
Photo: WSG