Dubai club decides to replace Iranian star Daei with Brazilian D'Silva

AP— Al Shabab is replacing its Iranian striker Ali Daei with Brazilian Carlos D'Silva, the Dubai club confirmed Monday. Despite the skills and experience of the Iranian World Cup star, Daei was unable to lead Al Shabab to any championships, and it finished at mid-table in the national league. Daei had a year remaining on his two-year contract.

"I regret to announce that Ali Daei is leaving the club," said Ahmed Saif Belhasa, head of the club's interim committee.

While acknowledging that Daei "is one of the best strikers in the region," Belhasa added that "his style is not suitable for our style of play."

Daei, who previously played in the German first division with Hertha Berlin, scored only 10 goals this season.

"The contribution made by Daei to our team was limited."

Belhasa announced that the club signed D'Silva from Brazil's first division Athletico Paranese. He gave no financial details of the one-year deal.

Daei is reported to be China-bound after receiving an attractive offer from a first division club.

Meanwhile, Belhasa said the contract with German coach Rainer Hollman has been renewed for another season.

"He (Hollman) has done very well with the team during the second half of the national league, which enabled us to stay in the first division," he said.