Death of Abdul Rahim Jani: An immortal sporting legacy in the memory of the Emirates

With hearts that believe and are satisfied with God’s will and destiny, the UAE bid farewell to one of the most prominent sports figures in its history, Abdul Rahim Mohammed Jani, the former administrative director of the UAE national football team and Sharjah Sports Club.

Death of Abdul Rahim Jani, one of the most prominent sports figures in the Emirates Abdul Rahim Jani passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, leaving behind a sporting legacy full of achievements and memories. Many sports figures and officials in the UAE expressed their deep sorrow over Jani’s death. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, offered his condolences to the family of the deceased, expressing his sincere sympathy. Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, and Sheikh Salem bin Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, also offered their condolences to the family of the deceased, asking God to have mercy on him.

Distinguished sports career Abdul Rahim Jani began his sports career as a player in the age groups of Sharjah Football Club from 1968 to 1973, then he rose to participate in the youth and first teams of the same club until 1975. In 1984, Jani took his first steps as manager of the first football team of Sharjah Club, and continued in this position for ten years until 1994.

His contributions to the national team In 1986, Jani took over as manager of the UAE national football team, and continued in this position until 1992. During this period, the team achieved many accomplishments, most notably participating in the 1990 World Cup in Italy with Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto. He also served as manager of the team in three Asian Cup finals: 1988 in Doha, 1992 in Hiroshima, and 2007 in East Asia.

Jani's achievements were not limited to the international level only, but also included the local and regional levels. He was the manager of the UAE military team in 1989, which participated in the military championship in Italy and achieved fourth place. He also assumed the position of manager of the first team of Sharjah Club in the Arab Championship in 1988, in which it achieved fourth place.

Abdul Rahim Jani received the Best Administrator Award as the team manager, an honor that reflects the appreciation of the sports community for his great contributions to the development of Emirati football. He also added to his rich record three General League championships with the Sharjah team in the seasons 1986/1987, 1988/1989 and 1993/1994, in addition to the President’s Cup in the 1990/1991 season.

With the passing of Abdul Rahim Jani, the UAE has lost one of its football pillars who contributed to building and developing the sport in the country. His sporting legacy will remain a source of inspiration for future generations, and his memory will remain immortal in the hearts of his fans and colleagues.