Maradona named Al Wasl football club coach

Argentina legend Diego Maradona is to take over as coach next season at Dubai's Al Wasl, the club vice-chairman Marwane Ben Bayatt announced on Monday

"We have reached an agreement with Maradona and we will release details later," Ben Bayatt said.

The 50-year-old Maradona was manager of the Argentina national side at last year's World Cup in South Africa, but lost his job after they lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-finals. He has been out of coaching since then.

He paid a visit to the Al Wasl training facility and headquarters on Saturday when club officials said an announcement could be made shortly.

Al Wasl are currently fourth in the domestic league and have been looking for a coach since firing Sergio Farias in March.

Diego Maradona has been hired on a two-year contract.

Al Wasl officials said the contract was  for two seasons and that Maradona would be responsible for leading the club "to new heights."

Al Wasl is fourth in the domestic league and has been looking for a coach since firing Sergio Farias in March.

Al Wasl says that Maradona was on his way back to Argentina and could not be reached for comment. He is expected back next month.

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