Abu Dhabi: Sergio Batista and Alejandro Sabella could be doing a straight swap with their employment contracts at Al Jazira and the Argentinian Football Association (AFA), according to sources in Abu Dhabi.
Batista, who left his role as head coach of Argentina this week, prompting Sabella to miss his flight to the UAE to discuss the job with the AFA, could now take Sabella's vacancy at Al Jazira. The club has announced Sabella is no longer their coach in light of his absence.
Two other European names are in the running to replace Sabella at Al Jazira, who, after 48 days in charge, didn't even take training.
Speculation linking Palmeiras boss Luis Felipe Scholari to the Al Jazira role has been shot down by the club.
Sources have now said Batista is the favourite to replace Sabella, while the Argentinian press have more or less confirmed Sabella's appointment as national coach after fellow candidates Gerado Martino and Carlos Bianchi were ruled out.
Camp cancelled
Sabella's failure to show up at Al Jazira has prompted the club to cancel a training camp in Europe.
Luis Antonio, the club's under-19 coach, will handle first team affairs until a replacement for Sabella is confirmed.
The UAE's league and cup champions will now train at home and participate in a pre-season tournament in Abu Dhabi from August 18 to 26. The tournament includes Al Ahli from Saudi Arabia, Al Rayyan of Qatar and Kuwaiti outfit Al Kuwait.
Al Jazira will take on Al Kuwait on the first day at 10pm, followed by Al Ahli against Al Rayyan at midnight.
On Tuesday August 23, the first match is Al Jazira against Al Rayyan at 10pm and the second Kuwait against Al Ahli at midnight. On the final day, Al Rayyan play Kuwait and Al Jazira face Al Ahli. First prize is Dh400,000, second Dh200,000.
