The UAE Football Association (UAE FA) announced on Tuesday that a shortlist of four candidates to succeed Mahdi Ali as head coach of the UAE national football team has been compiled.
UAE FA did not release the names of the four coaches but a board meeting later this week will see them settle on one of the candidates before beginning contract negotiations.
“The committee concerned with the selection of the new coach has identified four candidates,” said UAE FA media director Hassan Jassmi in a statement.
“The committee has limited the selection to European and South American options, the names will be presented to the board at its next meeting.”
“Specifications required are World Cup experience and ambition, names will be officially announced on Saturday.”
Latest reports have linked former Germany and United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann to the job while Claudio Ranieri, who won the Premier League with Leicester City last season, has also been in the mix.
Recently-fired Argentinian boss Edgardo Bauza and Peru coach Ricardo Gareca are also in contention.
Mahdi Ali left his post as UAE coach after their 2-0 defeat away to Australia last month, which all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.