Ahmed Rizvi
DUBAI // Ivan Hasek, who won the 2009 Pro League title with Al Ahli, is expected to return to the club as manager.
According to club sources, Ahli have already signed a deal with the former Czech international.
The Dubai club have struggled since Hasek guided them to the title in the first season of the Pro League. They were knocked out of the 2009 Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi by Auckland City, a team of part-timers from New Zealand, in the first round.
They have finished eighth in the Pro League for the last two seasons. In April, David O'Leary, the former Aston Villa and Leeds United manager, was dismissed after just nine months in charge.
A formal announcement is expected soon, but Ahmed Khalifa Hammad, Ahli's chief executive, yesterday declined to confirm Hasek's appointment.
"We will announce our coach and new foreign players in the coming days after we have made the signings," he said. "At this moment, we cannot say anything more."
Hasek is likely to have Brazilian Jaja Coelho heading his attack after Turkish media claimed Ahli had made a €5 million (Dh26m) bid for the Trabzonspor striker. Jaja, 25, who scored 14 goals last season, has been put on the transfer market for a poor disciplinary record.
"We have begun talks on the transfer of Jaja to Al Ahli," Trabzonspor said in a statement.
Ahli have also been linked with a move for Wolfsburg's Brazilian striker Grafite.
Since winning the league under Hasek in 2009, Ahli have been through six coaches, including Ioan Andone, Henk ten Cate and O'Leary.
Hasek also won the 2008 President's Cup with Al Ahli. He returned home in 2009 to contest the Czech football federation presidential elections, which he won and then took charge of his national team during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
arizvi@thenational.ae
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Hotel Data Cloud profile
Date started: June 2016
Founders: Gregor Amon and Kevin Czok
Based: Dubai
Sector: Travel Tech
Size: 10 employees
Funding: $350,000 (Dh1.3 million)
Investors: five angel investors (undisclosed except for Amar Shubar)
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
More coverage from the Future Forum
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
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On sale: Now
THE BIO
Age: 33
Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
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Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital