Drama over Maradona’s future at Fujairah

Dubai: Diego Maradona was sensationally reappointed as coach of Fujairah late yesterday only for his agent to then deny the return.

Maradona parted company with the club by mutual consent on Friday after failing to gain automatic promotion for Fujairah to the Arabian Gulf League.

Seventy-two hours later, the club appeared to make a sensational U-turn last night, tweeting: “Under the direction of the president of Fujairah Club, Diego Maradona returns to lead the Wolves and renews for another year.”

However, Maradona’s agent Matias Morla then tweeted: “In front of different versions that are circulating, I want to clarify that to this day, Diego Maradona did not renew his contract with Fujairah.”

It is not yet sure whether Maradona is back at Fujairah or not, but the initial decision to part company with the club by mutual consent was seen as rash.

Fujairah’s 1-1 draw at home to Khor Fakkan on Friday saw them miss out on automatic promotion to the Arabian Gulf League, but they are still in the play-offs and could still play in the top flight next season.

The Wolves play Hatta over two legs on May 9 and May 13 to decide who goes up. Even if he fails to win the play-off, a one-year contract extension – if true – suggests he might get another shot at promotion next season.