The Oman Football Association announced on Sunday morning the appointment of Moroccan coach Tarek Sketiyoui to lead the national team, succeeding the veteran Portuguese Carlos Queiroz. This step follows a comprehensive evaluation of the team's performance, as the management aims to achieve positive results in the upcoming competitions.
Queiroz, who is 73 years old, took charge of the Oman national team in July 2025 under a one-year contract. Despite the significant accomplishments Queiroz had with various national teams such as Egypt and Iran, the overall performance of the Omani team was inconsistent, leading the Oman Football Association to decide on this change.
The management announced the termination of Queiroz's contract by mutual agreement, expressing deep gratitude for his efforts during his tenure. In its announcement via its official account on X, the management confirmed its full support for the new coach, Tarek Sketiyoui, who is considered one of the young and distinguished figures in Moroccan football.
Sketiyoui, 48, is not a stranger to the sports scene, as he is renowned for his rich experience as both a player and coach in the Moroccan league, having led Olympique Safi and the Moroccan youth national team to numerous local and international achievements.
As a coach, Sketiyoui is regarded as a symbol of new and innovative ideas, making him a suitable choice to elevate the Oman national team. His unique approach, focusing on enhancing team spirit and sound tactics, is expected to provide significant support to the players as they face upcoming challenges.
The next steps for the Oman Football Association will involve properly preparing the team for the upcoming continental competitions, particularly the qualifiers for the next World Cup. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop the player base and improve overall performance to reach a competitive level worthy of Omani football.
Historically, the Omani national team has gone through difficult periods in its football history, but the current administration is committed to a strong desire for positive change. Omani football fans may recall that the national team has achieved some accomplishments in the past, such as qualifying for the Asian Cup.
In this context, the national team's coaching staff has great hope that Sketiyoui will bring a new vision that attracts attention and drives Omani players to excel in competitions. Linked with recent experiences in the region, this direction is an expression of the Oman Football Association's intentions to adopt strategies aimed at improving football performance in the Arab world.
Moroccan coaches have become trusted figures abroad, as past experiences show the great potential for enhancing capabilities, exemplified by the success of Moroccan coach Walid Rekraki with Wydad Casablanca and the impressive performances of coach Nasser Laibi.
In summary, the Oman Football Association seems to be on the brink of a new phase, as it stands under the supervision of a coach who has the potential and competence to multiply the national team's results.