There was significant change in UAE football on Wednesday with news the Al Ain Football Club board had been dissolved, a move that could lead to Zlatko Dalic remaining as manager.
The decision was taken by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and First Deputy President of Al Ain Club, following a row over a commercial with car-maker BMW that featured the UAE national anthem, which Emiratis and legal experts have described as offensive.
With the Al Ain Club Investment Company’s board also dismissed, a temporary committee will soon be put in place until a new board for the football club is appointed.
The repercussions could extend to Dalic, whose contract with the club concluded following Sunday's President's Cup final defeat to Al Jazira. However, the Croat may now be in position to negotiate a new deal.
See also:
• Haneen Dajani: BMW pulls commercial featuring UAE anthem after outcry
• Gallery: Thousands of fans turn out for President's Cup final at Zayed Sports City
• John McAuley: Al Jazira edge Al Ain on penalties to win President's Cup
Dalic is believed to be considering a proposal from another club, but he could be convinced to stay on at Al Ain since they have a crucial few months ahead.
In August, the Garden City side contest the first leg of the Asian Champions League quarter-finals after last week confirming their place with victory against Iran’s Zobahan. Dalic led the club, the only UAE winners of the continental competition, to the semi-finals in 2014.
In two-and-a-half years with Al Ain, he has guided the club to the 2014 President’s Cup crown, the 2014/15 Arabian Gulf League title and last season’s Super Cup. They went on to finish second in the league, while this week they were beaten on penalties by Jazira in the final of the President’s Cup at Zayed Sports City.
Dalic had used Saturday’s pre-match news conference to defend his record at Al Ain, where he also confirmed he has options to continue his career elsewhere. He was asked about his future immediately after the Jazira defeat and responded: “First, I will rest. Really, I’m very, very tired: 11 months, hard work.
“I’ll take rest with my family and see about my future.
“I never said I will go out from Al Ain, but I have choices to see what’s best for me.
“I really appreciate Al Ain for the two-and-a-half years, they gave me the chance to be coach of a big club. I built my name in Al Ain. So I appreciate everyone who gave me the chance, from my President, from my management,” he said.
“My target is to stay in Asia – which club I will see. I’ll see what’s happening with Al Ain. This is my club. If I go out, I’m really proud of my time here.
“I will stay ‘Ainawi’ forever.”
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