JEDDAH, 4 January 2005 — The president of Al-Ahli Club in Jeddah, Dr. Ayman Fadel, announced yesterday they have terminated the contract of Brazilian player Betchara.
The move to sack Betchara was expected because of his poor performance of late let alone the recurring injuries he suffered.
The names being floated to replace Betchara as the third pro player on the team were Salas, from Ecuador, and Diego from the Brazilian club Santos.
The departure of Betchara followed the sacking of coach Falamer who has since been replaced by Brazilian Junenio.
Ahli have settled all their financial obligations to Betchara who will soon leave for his home country.
Al-Ittihad Lose Services of 8 Players
Meantime, the new Ittihad coach, Luca, is in serious trouble because the team lost the services of eight key players who were absorbed to the national team camp in preparation for the Kingdom’s qualifying matches for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Ittihad will be missing the services of goalies Hussein Al-Sadeq and Mabrook Zayed, defenders Hamad Al-Muntashiri, Osama Al-Muwallad and Reda Tukar. They also lost Basem Al-Yami and Al_hassan Al-Yami to injuries and, of course, the suspended Muhammad Nur.
As a result, Ittihad club is looking to tap the market for players to bolster its defense line.
