Maradona invited to ‘farewell’ function after axing

Diego Maradona has been invited to a ‘farewell ceremony’ by  United Arab Emirates club Al Wasl after they sacked him as coach, a senior official said yesterday. The club added that the ceremony would “reflect the unique and strong relationship” between them and the mercurial Argentine. The 51-year-old World Cup winner’s two-year contract, signed in May 2011, was terminated on Tuesday by the club’s board after a trophy-less season that saw Al Wasl finish eighth in the 12-team UAE Pro League. “We have not decided on a timeframe (for the ceremony) and it depends on Maradona’s response,” club vice-chairman Mohammed bin Dokhan told reporters through an interpreter. He said Maradona, who was sacked with all his support staff, had not yet replied. Bin Dokhan said four or five names were on the table to replace Maradona and an announcement was likely within a week. One of them was Bruno Metsu, who coached the UAE to victory in the 2007 Gulf Cup and won the AFC Champions League with Al Ain in 2003. Metsu also coached Senegal to a notable win over France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup. Defending the decision to terminate Maradona’s contract, bin Dokhan said the time had been right. “We cannot deny Diego Maradona is the best technical footballer all over the world and he is a qualified coach but we are looking for someone to win a championship for Al Wasl in the next stage,” he added. “We are not happy to terminate the contract but we should always keep away emotion and work for the sake of Al Wasl. “The Board acts for the sake of Al Wasl and in the interests of Al Wasl to put Al Wasl back on the right track.” The closest Al Wasl, which last won the domestic league title in 2007, came to success last season was in reaching the final of the Gulf Champions League. However, having won the first leg against Bahrain side Al Muharraq 3-1, Maradona’s side capitulated in the second leg in Dubai, having two players sent off en route to a 3-1 loss before defeat on penalties. “Maybe it was a reason to terminate, the result of that match,” said bin Dokhan. Maradona’s sacking came a month after he received a vote of confidence from the chairman of a newly-constituted board, appointed after the mass resignation of the previous board following the lack of on-field success.