Dubai: UAE U23 football coach Mahdi Ali is a strong candidate for the country's vacant head coaching post according to UAE FA President Yousuf Al Serkal, that's after last week's historic win over Uzbekistan qualified the nation to its first Olympics. 

Victory in Tashkent followed on from a silver medal at the 2010 Asian Games, a quarter final finish in the 2009 U20 World Cup and triumph in the 2006 U17 Gulf Cup, the 2008 U19 Asian Cup and the 2010 U23 Gulf Cup. 

But entry to London 2012 was dubbed their graduation day by Al Serkal, who admitted their Masters Degree and PHD was still to come. 

Serkal, said of Ali, who has been with this youth team since they were U14: "I think Mahdi Ali is eligible, he's most certainly qualified but he's not the only candidate. At this stage we are still in negotiation with other unnamed parties. 

"We cannot neglect that Mahdi's time together with this team counts in his favour but there are other names with similar pros and cons against their name also. We've got time. 

"We are trying to avoid a passionate decision. All decisions will be rational and taken only after this stage of passion and emotion." 

Asked if he'd take the job if offered Mahdi Ali told Gulf News: "We are all soldiers for this country and we are willing to serve this country in any way. 

"There has been no official proposal and I cannot say anything without having seen a brief, the plan or the objectives and goals for the job. 

"Any judgement as to whether I am best suited to this role given what's been accomplished or my length of time with this team is entirely up to the federation. 

"I am just happy to have changed and challenged a mindset which says we also need a foreign coach. I'm happy that I've played a part in that change for my fellow Emirati coaches and changed prejudices." 

Al Serkal added: "If we decide to give an Emirati coach the chance would the media support the decision for long? Football is not all about winning, you lose sometimes. The media reacts quickly here win or lose. Will you turn against an Emirati coach as quickly as you'd support him?" 

Other names rumoured to be on the UAE's shortlist to replace Srecko Katanec include former Argentina coach Diego Maradona and ex France manager Raymond Domenech.