Al Rumaithi rubbishes rumours of big-money approach for Liverpool's Benitez
The president of the Football Association has denied reports the group has made a big-money offer to Rafael Benitez to become manager of the national team.
DUBAI // Mohammed Khalfan al Rumaithi, the president of the Football Association, has denied reports the group has made a big-money offer to Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool coach, to become manager of the national team.
A story in the Mail on Sunday, a British newspaper, claimed the UAE FA were trying to lure Benitez away from England with a lucrative contract in an effort to "raise their profile worldwide".
Srecko Katanec is the manager of the UAE and is training with his side in Austria to prepare for the Gulf Cup later this year and the Asian Cup in January.
Al Rumaithi insists the FA are happy with the Slovenian, who has lost just one game since taking charge in June, and has ruled out any changes until the end of Katanec's contract.
"This is total speculation," al Rumaithi said. "We have not even thought about Rafael Benitez. Srecko Katanec is our coach till the end of June 2011 and, depending on his performance, we will make a decision after that.
"But we are happy with him and he is happy being here. So there is absolutely no truth to this story."
According to the newspaper, Benitez would be given a "£5 million (Dh26.25m) 'Golden Hello' and a salary to match his £4m-per-year contract at Liverpool. A mansion on Dubai's exclusive Palm Island would also be thrown in."
Al Rumaithi added: "The amount being quoted is unbelievable, even for a top European coach.
"I wish we had that kind of money. But even if we did, we will never pay so much for a coach."
arizvi@thenational.ae
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
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Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia