Dubai Sports Council Appoints Maradona As 'Sports Ambassador'

Former Al Wasl FC Manager Diego Maradona is to "remain in Dubai as a sports envoy for the city" following his sacking by Al Wasl during the summer, according to Ahmed Rizvi of THE NATIONAL. Maradona, dismissed by the Pro League side midway through his two-year coaching contract, has signed a one-year deal with the Dubai Sports Council “to develop and promote sports in Dubai as a lifestyle choice." The appointment is as per the directives of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (THE NATIONAL, 9/2). DSC Secretary General Ahmad Al Sharif said, “With such an international position and great talent, he can do more than anyone else can do — he can reach the new generation of talented athletes and motivate them to shine and achieve greater success” (GULF NEWS, 9/3). Maradona: "I'm back stronger than ever. For those who think I have fallen down or collapsed, I'd like to tell you I'm back stronger than ever" (GULF NEWS, 9/2).

PERFECT FIT: In Dubai, Paul Oberjuerge opined, "You know that old parlour game? If you could invite three people from history to a dinner party, who would they be? In the UAE, two of those are up for discussion. The third would be El Diego." He continued, "His new role, 'honorary ambassador of sports' for the Dubai Sports Council is a perfect match of 'man' to 'job.'" Maradona can attract a crowd "simply by walking down the street and leave them captivated as he speaks a language they don't understand" (THE NATIONAL, 9/2).