Khor Fakkan made the first move of the season, dismissing coach Abdelmajid Al Nimer after just two matches. Emarat Al Youm reports this as the UAE Pro League's first managerial sacking this year, setting an example for other clubs considering early changes.
Kalba's situation is tense. Under Spanish coach Victor Sanchez, the team has managed only one point from three games and sits 11th. A 2-2 draw with Al Nasr offered a brief pause, but heavy losses-0-3 to Al Wasl and 1-4 to United-have left club leaders demanding a turnaround. Another poor result could cost Sanchez his job. TheAnalytic confirms Kalba's single point after three rounds and their low position in the table.
After three rounds, Khor Fakkan climbed to 10th place with 3 points, securing their first win of the season in the third match and easing immediate pressure on the coaching staff.
UAE Pro League
Baniyas, led by Romanian coach Daniel Isaila, have started even worse. They are bottom of the table with no points, having lost to Al Ain (2-4), United (2-3), and Al Wahda (1-2). Last season's slow start still lingers, and Isaila's margin for error is shrinking. September's fixtures may decide his future. TheAnalytic lists Baniyas last after three games, still searching for a point.
Hatta's return to the top division has been rough for Serbian coach Aleksandar Ilic. Three straight defeats-0-2 to Al Jazira, 3-4 to Ajman, and 0-3 to Sharjah-leave them second from bottom, still without a point. The club's board is watching closely, and the upcoming international break could be a turning point if results don't improve. TheAnalytic puts Hatta in 13th place, also with zero points.
Al Dhafra's problems are even more severe. Croatian coach Alen Horvat has overseen three losses without a single goal scored: 1-3 to Sharjah, 0-2 to Shabab Al Ahli, and 0-2 to Khor Fakkan. After last season's relegation scare, the club is determined to avoid a repeat. Horvat's future may depend on the next two matches. TheAnalytic shows Al Dhafra in 12th, also without a point.
Despite speculation, the official UAE Pro League publications have not confirmed any imminent dismissals for the coaches of Kalba, Baniyas, Hatta, or Al Dhafra. The league has instead focused on reporting the current sporting status of these teams and the ongoing competition for top positions.
UAE Pro League
Why September matters
The timing is deliberate. With rounds four and five coming before the international break, club boards have a chance to review their direction and, if needed, make changes with minimal disruption. The break gives any new coach time to adjust the squad and introduce new tactics before the league resumes. The UAE Pro League describes this period as a strategic window for clubs to act if results don't improve.
What's at stake
For coaches under pressure, the message is clear: deliver results now or risk losing your job. For clubs, waiting too long could mean another season fighting relegation or stuck in mid-table. The next two weeks will shape both coaching careers and the season's direction for several teams.
Khor Fakkan's quick decision has encouraged other clubs to act faster. Patience is running out in the UAE Pro League, and early setbacks are proving costly. The league's official shortlist for best coach of the month, published on September 2, 2026, included Vladimir Ivic, Andre Jardim, Cosmin Olaroiu, and Andrea Pirlo, but not Victor Sanchez, Daniel Isaila, Aleksandar Ilic, or Alen Horvat, according to WAM / Emirates News Agency.
Club leaders are making it clear that results matter more than sentiment. The next rounds will show which managers can handle the pressure and which will be out before October. In this league, only clear progress buys time.
