The Dubai Sports Council is set to renew the contract of DIEGO MARADONA as Dubai’s honorary sports ambassador for another year, according to Alaric Gomes of GULF NEWS. Details of "the terms of agreement and contract will be announced at a press conference at the Raffles Hotel in Oud Metha." DSC General Secretary Dr. AHMAD AL SHARIF said that there was "absolutely no grounds why the contract should not be renewed." Maradona "has been a huge hit throughout his time in Dubai." Since becoming an ambassador, Maradona has "made his presence felt at most major events held in the emirate" (GULF NEWS, 7/8). In a separate piece, Gomes reported the DSC has "insisted that Maradona's ambassadorial role more than pays for itself by way of raising the profile of Dubai." Al Sharif: "He has played a pivotal role in the success of the DSC. He has always held a state of openness with us and this has helped tourism between Argentina and the UAE. His presence among us means a lot. We do not deal with him only as a source of funding. He participates with us in any activity that we organize" (GULF NEWS, 7/9).
