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Ex-Italy coach Roberto Mancini named Saudi Arabia manager

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Just a fortnight after his departure from the helm of the Italian national team, Roberto Mancini has swiftly transitioned into his new role as the head coach of Saudi Arabia’s football squad.

The 58-year-old tactician, celebrated for steering Italy to a resounding victory in Euro 2020 by clinching a hard-fought win against England via a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium, is now set to embark on a fresh chapter in his illustrious managerial career.

Under Mancini’s guidance, the Italian squad embarked on a remarkable 37-game unbeaten streak, etching their names into the annals of sports history with a world-record feat. Yet, despite this unprecedented achievement, the team’s aspirations were quelled as they failed to secure a berth in the much-anticipated 2022 World Cup.

Eager to embrace his new undertaking, Mancini has put pen to paper on a contract that binds him to the Saudi Arabian team until the year 2027. His inaugural challenge at the helm of the Saudi squad is set to unfold on the 8th of September, as his charges lock horns with Costa Rica in a match slated to take place at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

“This presents an exciting prospect for me – an opportunity to immerse myself in the realm of football within a novel nation, particularly given the surging popularity of the sport across the Asian continent,” remarked Mancini, exuding enthusiasm for the journey ahead. He further emphasised the potential for expansion within Saudi Arabia’s national football domain, buoyed by the presence of prominent players within the Saudi Pro League.

At the Qatar World Cup, Saudi Arabia orchestrated a startling upset under the stewardship of former head coach Herve Renard. They triumphed over the eventual champions, Argentina, securing a stunning 2-1 win. However, despite this coup, the Saudi team found themselves stymied within the group stages of the tournament.

Mancini, who previously guided Manchester City to their maiden Premier League title in 2012, brings with him a wealth of managerial experience garnered through his tenures at clubs such as Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter Milan, Galatasaray and Zenit St Petersburg.

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Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

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Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

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Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

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