Igor Biscan appointed UAE U23 coach as Zlatko Dalic rumours persist

Igor Biscan, the former Croatia international midfielder, has been appointed as the UAE Under-23 coach, as reports of Zlatko Dalic potentially becoming the new national team manager continue to circulate. The UAE Football Association (FA) announced Biscan's appointment on Sunday night. Biscan, who previously worked under Dalic as Croatia U21 coach, will be part of a new Croatian technical team accompanying the UAE.

Biscan's career includes stints at Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia and Al Ahli in Qatar, following his four-year tenure with Croatia U21. The UAE are currently looking for a new manager following the dismissal of Cosmin Olaroiu, who failed to secure the nation's World Cup qualification. Dalic, who led Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and third place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has been linked with the UAE position since leaving his Croatian role.

He is reportedly keen to avoid competition from South Korea and Saudi Arabia for the job. Biscan is expected to bring a team of coaches with him, including former Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic as the UAE's goalkeeping coach and Branko Ivankovic as a figure at the UAE FA. Should Dalic be appointed, he would be the UAE's third Croatian coach, following Tomislav Ivic and Srecko Juricic.

The national team is scheduled to participate in the Gulf Cup from September 23 to October 6 and the Asian Cup in January, both hosted by Saudi Arabia.