The UAE national team parts ways with Olăroiu.

The UAE Football Association dismissed Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu from his position as head coach of the national team today, Saturday, a year before the end of his contract, due to previous results and the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The UAE Football Association confirmed in a statement that the decision was made "as part of the preparations for the next phase in line with its goals and plans aimed at developing the national team's journey and enhancing its readiness for upcoming competitions."

The same source noted that it would announce the name of the replacement coach for the dismissed Romanian coach at a later time.

Romanian Cosmin Olăroiu, 56 years old, was appointed to his position in April 2025 until 2027; however, he failed to lead the "Whites" to the World Cup after losing to Iraq, which later qualified, in the Asian playoff (1-1 in the first leg and 1-2 in the second leg).

The UAE national football team also finished in third place in the 2025 Arab Cup, which was held in Qatar.

Emirati media revealed that Olăroiu is a candidate to remain in the Gulf state, as he received offers from the clubs Al-Jazira and Al-Nasr.

Olăroiu is well-acquainted with Emirati football, having coached Al Ain (2011-2013), Shabab Al-Ahli (2013-2017), and Sharjah since 2021.

He is also the most successful coach in the history of Emirati football, with a total of 14 titles, including 4 in the league. He led Sharjah to win the second AFC Champions League title in 2025.