Khalifa takes the reins for Al Wasl against Kalba

Al Wasl travel to Kalba tonight under their new Emirati coach, Mubarak Khalifa, who replaced the Brazilian, Sergio Farias, three days after the team's 3-1 defeat to Al Shabab in the Pro League on April 16.

"The club management decided to terminate the services of Farias because of the poor results," said Ahmed Mubarak, a team spokesman. "His relationship with the players has reached a point that they no longer have respect for each other.

"Mubarak Khalifa will be coach for the rest of the season. He has been a long-serving member of the club, both as a player and coach. He was the coach of the club's second team at the time of his appointment and has the respect of all the players."

Farias was dismissed while Wasl were in fourth place and still hold a chance of finishing in the top four to earn qualification to next year's Asian Champions League.

The league seems virtually in the safe custody of Al Jazira, who are on 40 points and 10 clear of Baniyas.

Al Shabab, who are three behind Baniyas in third, will be looking to consolidate their position when they take on Sharjah at home in tonight's other game.